University of Delhi Student Moves High Court Over Exams Scheduled on Eid al Adha
The petition claims the university’s decision to hold exams on Bakrid violates the religious and constitutional rights of Muslim students.
A student of University of Delhi has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the university’s decision to conduct examinations on May 28, the day of Eid al Adha, also known as Bakrid.
The student, who is enrolled in the Integrated Law Course at the Faculty of Law, argued that the move is unfair and unconstitutional. According to the petition, the Union Government has already declared May 28 a public holiday for Bakrid, and several major institutions, including the Supreme Court of India, have adjusted their holiday schedules accordingly.
Despite this, Delhi University has decided to continue with examinations planned for that day.
The plea states that holding exams during an important religious festival places Muslim students in a difficult situation, forcing them to choose between attending examinations and observing their religious duties. The student has claimed that the decision violates constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 21, 25, and 29 of the Indian Constitution, which relate to equality, personal liberty, religious freedom, and minority rights.
The issue has also sparked protests from student groups and organisations across the university campus.
Ahammed Rabeeh, president of the Fraternity Movement of DU, wrote to university authorities urging them to reconsider the decision. He said the administration had created an unfair situation for Muslim students during a major religious occasion.
The Students Islamic Organisation of Delhi University also criticised the move, calling it insensitive to students’ religious concerns. Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association demanded immediate rescheduling of the exams and appealed to the university to maintain inclusive and secular values.
Although the university issued a circular declaring May 28 a holiday, it clarified that examinations scheduled for the day would continue without any change.
The matter is now before the Delhi High Court, and students are waiting for the court’s decision on the issue.