CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has awarded a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to a private candidate of Sambalpur University whose final examination was withheld.
In its order, the HC observed universities hold a significant responsibility towards their students, particularly in efficient administration of examinations and timely publication of results. The court said the processes are fundamental to the academic journey of students and any lapse can have serious implications on their academic progress, career prospects, and overall well-being.
The single judge bench of Justice SK Panigrahi said, “If universities fail in these responsibilities, it can be argued that they should provide compensation to the affected students. This could be in the form of financial compensation, course credits, or other measures that acknowledge and rectify the inconvenience caused. Such a provision not only serves as a remedial measure but also underscores the accountability of educational institutions.”
The observation came while the court on March 28 directed Sambalpur University to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to Bibhuti Bhusan Barik for confirming that he had passed the Bachelor in Commerce (BCom) course, 12 years after declaring him failed. However, Justice Panigrahi said, “It is important to note that while compensation can provide some relief, it does not absolve universities of their responsibilities. Universities must strive to prevent such lapses in the first place through robust systems, regular audits, and a commitment to student welfare.”
Barik appeared the +3 Commerce course as a private candidate of Sambalpur University through Panchayat College, Bargarh examination centre in 1999.
His final examination result was withheld due to non-clearance of the first examination, but he was declared to have successfully completed and passed the course on May 17, 2012. Subsequently, Barik moved the HC for compensation from Sambalpur University stating he lost valuable years of his life, in 2015. While allowing the plea, Justice Panugrahi said, “This court finds no difficulty in coming to a conclusion that the action of the controller of examination of the university and its officials/staff whosoever is there, in firstly, recording an incorrect/wrong marks in the result of the petitioner and showing him ‘Fail’, and second, marking him absent in the exams in which he diligently appeared, is a totally irresponsible kind of act which has had an adverse consequence upon the career and future prospect of petitioner.”
Accordingly, Justice Panigrahi ordered, “Given the entirety of the situation and the fact that the petitioner has endured significant hardship and lost 10 years of his professional life, a loss that cannot be compensated in any other way, this court orders the Sambalpur university to pay the petitioner a sum of Rs 5 lakh as compensation.”