SG now refers to the chain of events in a chronological manner, including the decision of MHA to reduce the extent of the lockdown.
18 Aug 2020 8:01 AM GMT
SG: There was a political somersault by the Maharashtra government in this matter.
18 Aug 2020 7:59 AM GMT
SG: It was their committee and their observations that the exams can be conducted. And the State accepted their report. But, I am not concerned only with Maharashtra.
18 Aug 2020 7:56 AM GMT
SG: On 6th May, State of Maharashtra constituted a State-level Committee by Minister of Higher and Technical Education. Their own committee recommended the conduct.
18 Aug 2020 7:55 AM GMT
SG Mehta continues his submissions. He refers to the compilations wherein the UGC Guidelines are enumerated.
18 Aug 2020 7:44 AM GMT
Connection with the Bench has been lost.
SG: Must be an electricity problem. I am having the problem too.
KV Vishwanathan: Imagine the plight of the students !
18 Aug 2020 7:44 AM GMT
SG: First the Bench needs to decide who is superior. I don’t want to make this into a Centre v. State argument. But, let us look at the UGC Act and its powers.
18 Aug 2020 7:42 AM GMT
SG: Your Lordship has the jurisdiction to set this aside. But, I will put forth the contours of the jurisdiction.
18 Aug 2020 7:41 AM GMT
Navare: So, I completely support the UGC Guidelines.
Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta now begins his submissions.
18 Aug 2020 7:40 AM GMT
Navare: In this context, UGC completely has the power to mandate the conduction of exams. But, yes, the deadline of September 30 must be left to the individual Universities.