J&K High Court Orders University of Kashmir: ₹1 Lakh Compensation to Student

In Abdul Basit vs University of Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered the University of Kashmir to compensate a BA student with ₹1 lakh. The student, Abdul Basit, had been wrongly declared ‘failed’ despite passing on paper re-evaluation. Justice Javed Iqbal Wani criticized the University for incorrectly applying “Statute 10,” resulting in the student having to reappear for the exam.

Here is what happened:

• The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered the University of Kashmir to compensate Abdul Basit with ₹1 lakh in a May 10 judgment.
• Abdul Basit filed a petition in 2019 against the University after being wrongly declared failed in a BA course exam.
• Despite securing 40 marks on re-evaluation, Basit was initially marked failed in the General English paper.
• The University reduced Basit’s marks to 34, citing a rule applicable for marks differences exceeding 30%.
• Basit challenged the decision in court, alleging violation of his rights due to an obscure rule invocation.
• The University argued against Basit’s petition, claiming no rights violation on their part.
• The Court rejected the University’s defense, finding the rule inapplicable and Basit unfairly treated.
• The Court deemed the University’s action arbitrary and ordered compensation for Basit’s prejudice.
• Basit was awarded ₹1 lakh as damages by the Court, directing payment within four weeks.
• The Court concluded that Basit should not be left without remedy for the University’s wrongful actions.

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