[Fees Issue Amid COVID] Students Of CNLU, Patna File Plea In Patna HC Against University's Decision To Charge Fees For Library, Other Facilities

It has been contended by the Students that they are perturbed, by the inaction and opaque retort, on the part of the University administration, insofar as the fee catalogue accommodated in Office Memorandum bearing Letter No.- CNLU/45(a)/2020-323 dated 07/08/2020, is concerned.

Earlier, the students tried to raise their grievance with the University administration and wrote letters to the Vice-Chancellor on August 10 and then to the Chancellor on August 25.

However, as alleged by the students, they received no response from the above-said authorities, then they moved the HC with their plea.

Notably, the Students have claimed that the aforesaid Office Memorandum bore waivers for some chargeable heads; however, the heads of 'Facilities Fee' and 'Library Fee' were left untouched. Thus, aggrieved by the inaction of the University on the fee issue, the students have expressed their concern.

Significantly, as mentioned, the issue of the students is related to the 'Facilities Fee' and 'Library Fee' being charged from them.

While 'Facilities Fee' amounts to Rs. 15,000/- for the 5th year students of batch 2016-2021 and Rs. 16,000/- for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th-year students of batches 2019-2024, 2018-2023, 2017-2022 respectively, the 'Library Fee' amounts to Rs. 5,000/.

The Students have contended in this context that none of the university facilities were being used since the university was closed down on and from 15.03.2020.

Further, they say, the existent Covid-19 threat and the current Academic Schedule raises questions as to when the university gates will be thrown open to us, if not posing clear indications of closure for the better part of the Academic year 2021-2022.

Also, they requested pro-rata deduction of the Mess Charges for campus residents and day scholars, Annual Room rent along with additional room rent as per applicability and the Facilities Fee from the previous payment cycle, which was not utilised from 15.03.2020 till the conclusion of our previous semester.

Lastly, the postponement of the last date for payment of annual fee i.e. 31.08.2020 has been prayed for.

Citing BCI Advisory bearing number BCI:D: 314:2020(LE), dt. 27.07.2020, they have requested that they be given the liberty to pay the revised annual fee in instalments and that an additional month's time i.e. till 30.09.2020 be given, for acceptance of the payment of reduced /re-considered fee.

The matter was heard by the High Court on 18.09.2020. While declining to stay the aforesaid Office Memorandum, the HC granted a weeks' time to serve the Registrar, CNLU. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 28.