MPhil law student takes on Mumbai University over result secrecy

MU have refused to release the results stating the student failed the exam. Representation pic

Two years since appearing for his MPhil theory exam, 44-year-old MPhil student Sachin Adkar is embroiled in a dispute with the Mumbai University administration regarding his marksheet and results. Despite taking the MPhil theory exam in law in July 2022, the university has not only withheld his results, alleging he did not pass but has also denied him access to his marks and mark sheet, thereby obstructing him from applying for revaluation.

Caught in a state of uncertainty, the student has now sought intervention from the Governor of Maharashtra, who is also the chancellor of all state universities.
Of the seven students enrolled for MPhil (law), only four appeared for the theory exam including Adkar. However, when the results were declared, the results of only two students were disclosed. When inquired, the department officials informed Adkar that he might have failed, which is why his results were not declared.

Adkar, student

"The Department of Law informed me that there is no policy to disclose marks and results to students who have failed, hence they refuse to allow me to access my results. Additionally, they stated that I failed in all three papers. I am at a loss now. They are denying me the opportunity to view my marks, and department officials claim that MPhil students cannot apply for re-evaluation. However, I know that the Commerce Department and other departments of Mumbai University have previously released MPhil revaluation lists. Then why does the Department of Law have a different set of rules?" said Adkar.

Adkar is even more worried as his was the last batch of MPhil. In December 2023, the University Grants Commission, (UGC) discontinued the MPhil degree. The Commission has directed the students not to take admission in MPhil as it is not a recognised degree anymore.

Frustrated by the "vague and illogical" replies by the University, Adkar filed RTI.

In an RTI reply the department stated: "In MPhil theory exam conducted by MU's Law Department, results of only those students who have passed the exams are declared and results of those failed are not. Since you have failed the exam, your results cannot be declared."

Frustrated by this response, Adkar filed another RTI query only to be told once again that, since he had failed, his results could not be disclosed.

Adkar argued, "The department has failed to provide any written rule for this policy. They are jeopardising the careers of many students who give up seeking their responses. I will continue the battle until they show me the exam paper."

Adamant, Adkar continues to advocate for revaluation, asserting his belief that he cannot fail in this manner. He even appealed to MU's appellate authority, who instructed the Law department officials to furnish Adkar with ample information concerning the rule that prohibits revaluation in the department.

"Despite directions from the appellate authority the department has still not contacted me. I have already written to the Governor of Maharashtra seeking his intervention in the matter. I am not giving up on this, if they do not show me my exam scores I will move court against the university," added Adkar. A senior official from MU said, "We will look into the matter and direct the Department of Law to resolve the issue at the earliest. While we are concerned about the student, we also have to follow rules."

Despite repeated attempts officials from the examination department did not respond.