On Thursday, the Bombay High Court guided the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education to examine a plea for a refund of SSC and HSC exam fees, taken from students since the exams were cancelled.
Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girsh Kulkarni heard a PIL from a retired school principal that stated how despite the cancellation of the said exams, fees for it weren’t reimbursed. The petition, according to reports, elaborated that parents are struggling to make ends meet owing to the pandemic. Furthermore, even with financial problems, fees were deposited, thus the board should contemplate returning them.
The petitioner’s advocate stated that the fees of Rs 420 and Rs 520 for SSC and HSC exams respectively, is a small amount, but in rural areas, it’s a significant figure. Additionally, narratives claim that considering the large number of students who enrol for these exams, the total collected amount becomes substantial.
To this, the state advocate responded that the amount is minimal and since internal assessments were done, manpower was needed for the results to be declared. The petitioner still believed that major expenses were averted owing to the cancellation of exams.
The Chief Justice, however, recognized that since actions were taken, a certain amount for it is needed. Whilst the PIL was disposed of, the judges guided the chairman of the board to consider the petitioner’s stance by giving him the chance of a hearing. If refunds aren’t possible, a reasoned order shall be passed. The judiciary has asked for this activity to be completed in four weeks.
Also Read: Consider Forming A Panel For CET Question Paper Preparation: Bombay High Court To Maharashtra
Share
Tweet
