The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently upheld Panjab University’s (PU) decision to disqualify a law student from appearing in any exams for two years after he was caught cheating during a December 2023 ‘Law of Contract’ exam [Randeep Singh vs Panjab University and Others].
The BA LL.B. student was found with notes during the exam, violating University regulations. Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri rejected the student’s appeal to reduce the punishment, emphasizing the importance of ethics in the legal profession.
“The petitioner is a future lawyer, and ethics governs the legal profession. This Court does not deem it appropriate to show leniency in its exercise of power under Article 226 of the Constitution,” the Court stated.
The student was found guilty under Regulations 5(a) and 8 of the University Calendar for possessing objectionable material in his handwriting, which was copied in his answer book. He argued that the two-year disqualification was harsh and would harm his career. However, the university argued that the student deserved no sympathy as he was caught in the act, and the punishment was in line with university regulations.
The Court agreed with the university, stating there was no reason to lessen the punishment, and dismissed the student’s plea.
Advocate Mohit Jaggi represented the petitioner, and Advocate Subhash Ahuja represented the respondents.
