There is No Statutory Obligation On University To Provide Hostel To All Students Seeking It: Delhi HC

The petitioner had argued that the literal reading of section 33 shows that there's an obligation on the University to ensure accommodation to all its students. Highlighting that there are a large number of students who are not provided with hostels or any other housing assistance, the petitioner had prayed the following:

1. Delhi University shall be directed to provide hostel accommodation to all students requiring it under section 33 of the DU Act, 1922
2. Students who are not provided with accommodation shall be given a stipend of Rs. 10,000
3. The rent charged within a 5km radius of the University Campus shall be controlled
4. Prices in staff and student canteens shall be harmonised and both shall operate on a break-even basis

The Bench comprising of Chief Justice Patel and Justice Shankar dismissed the petition by declaring that there is no statutory obligation on the University to provide hostel accommodation to all students under section 33 of the DU Act. It opined that such an interpretation is not economically viable as it would cost the University crores of rupees.

The court also pointed out that it is not incumbent upon the present judicial body to regulate prices in the University canteen. It's a policy issue that has to be looked at by the competent authority itself.

While the court did urge the University to endeavour towards providing hostel accommodation to students with financial constraints, it very categorically pointed out that no explicit directions are being issued in that regard. Constructing new hostels require budgeting and land allocation and the same has to be considered by the University and cannot be directed by the court, the Bench noted.