Abhinav Sharma vs U.O.R and Another

Ashok Parihar, J.—Looking to the short controversy as raised, the writ petition is disposed of finally.

The President of India Gold Medal was initiated in the respondent University by way of amendment in the Ordinance way back in the year 1994. The above Gold Medal was initiated in the name of the Late President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma for a student adjudged best for general proficiency, including character, conduct, excellency in academic performance, extra curricular activities and social services. It is unfortunate that no such Gold Medal has been awarded to any student since inception. Even as per admission of the respondent University, consideration was also not made for awarding such Gold Medal in any year for one reason or the other. Though some excuses have been given in the additional affidavit, however, the same cannot be accepted. on the face of it, no serious steps were ever taken by the University authorities for appreciating overall performance of the students. Even no fix norms for adjudging suitability have been decided so far. The main purpose of initiating the above award has been to encourage the students to excel in all fields apart from just getting a degree in particular course. The in-action of the authorities in this regard has frustrated the whole purpose of the scheme.

Having considered entire facts and circumstances as also in the interest of justice, the respondent-University is now directed to lay down proper norms and procedure for consideration for awarding President of India Gold Medal to the students every year within 30 days from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. After such norms and procedure been duly notified in all the affiliated Colleges and Departments of the University, the Committee, so constituted, may consider the suitability of the students for awarding the above Gold Medal after completion of each Session within six months every year. It is expected from the respondent University to make strict compliance of the directions issued above. The initiation of the present proceedings before the Court in the larger interest of the students community and institution by the petitioner deserves due appreciation.

The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly.