Bengaluru: The high court has emphasized that Karnataka State Law University must develop guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP) to protect examination integrity and ensure fairness for students.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, while allowing the petition of first-year LLB student and Anekal resident HM Rahul, provided specific directives to the university. It mandated exam transparency by implementing modern technology, including installing high-resolution CCTV cameras in exam halls to monitor and record activities, with real-time server upload to prevent tampering. These recordings can serve as evidence when malpractice allegations arise.
The court said invigilators should wear high-resolution cameras to document their movements, with footage uploaded instantly to servers for verification. The judgment requires the installation of jammers at exam venues to block unauthorized communication via radio frequency, microwaves, or mobile phones. Flying squad officials must wear high-resolution cameras during inspections, with immediate upload of recordings to prevent manipulation.
For malpractice allegations, universities must notify students via email, using the official address collected during admission. Student statements and malpractice committee proceedings require video recordings with real-time server upload, adhering to Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Section 105.
On April 12, 2024, during his ‘Legal Method’ exam, the flying squad confiscated the papers and hall ticket of Rahul, a student of Kengal Hanumanthaiah Law College, Hubballi. Rahul claimed he was compelled to sign documents without review, and in May, the malpractice committee issued directives without proper inquiry. On July 1, 2024, he was prevented from future exams and academic progression.
The university claimed Rahul admitted to possessing micro-photocopy material, but Justice Govindaraj found the procedures inadequate. The court noted that merely obtaining signatures on typed documents fails to meet the legal requirements.
The case has been returned to the malpractice committee for a fresh review. Rahul may participate in the current exams, with thr results to be declared if he is exonerated, the court said.