Delhi High Court: Students Cannot Be Barred from Exams Over Low Attendance — Institutions Must Not Cause Mental Trauma

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New Delhi | November 3, 2025

In a landmark ruling linked to the Amity University law student Sushant Rohilla suicide case, the Delhi High Court has directed that no student shall be debarred from examinations solely due to low attendance. The court observed that institutional rules should never become a source of mental distress or trauma for students.

During the hearing, the bench remarked that universities and educational institutions must prioritize students’ well-being alongside academic discipline. The court criticized overly rigid attendance policies, noting that such rules can push students toward mental health crises rather than academic excellence.

Mandatory Grievance Committees for All Universities

The High Court has ordered all universities in Delhi to set up grievance redressal committees to address student complaints effectively. Additionally, the court directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to re-evaluate mandatory attendance norms for law students, ensuring that the policies reflect contemporary realities and flexibility in learning.

“Institutions Should Not Restrict Creative Freedom”

The court emphasized that mandatory physical attendance requirements often restrict students’ creative and intellectual freedom, especially when they force students to remain in one place without genuine academic value. The judgment highlighted the need to revise attendance policies in line with modern educational methods and changing times.

Focus on Holistic Development

The Delhi High Court underscored that university life is a formative period, and institutions must aim for holistic development, not merely academic success. The court suggested that students should be encouraged to engage in sports, arts, music, theatre, and social skills, which are essential for overall growth.

Integrating Theory with Practical Exposure

The court further advised that classroom learning should be combined with practical experiences—such as court visits, legal aid programs, moot courts, prison visits, and model parliamentary debates—to create a balanced and experiential legal education environment.

Background:
The case stems from the 2016 incident involving Sushant Rohilla, a law student at Amity University, who allegedly took his own life after being barred from semester exams due to short attendance. The tragedy sparked a nationwide debate on the mental health impact of rigid academic policies and institutional accountability in higher education.

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