ORDER

Heard Mr. G. J. Sarma, learned counsel for the petitioner.

The petitioner is a Pd.D Scholar, Department of Commerce, Gauhati University, who claims to have submitted his thesis on 13.02.2025 and evaluation report received on 27.05.2025, has instituted this petition for a direction to conduct viva voce of Ph.D thesis for completion of entire process of evaluating his Ph.D thesis for award of PhD degreed.

It is the contention of the petitioner that as per UGC Regulation, 2022, the viva voce is to be conducted within six months from the date of submission of thesis. The petitioner having been submitted his thesis on 13.02.2025, the respondent authorities are bound to conduct the viva voce within stipulated period.

It is further contended that being aggrieved of non-conduct of viva voce, the petitioner has approached the Chancellor of Gauhati University. Pursuant thereto, the Additional Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Governor’s Secretariat has inform the Registrar, Gauhati University that the conduct of the viva voce of the candidates cannot be withheld on the pretext of some disciplinary proceedings and accordingly, directed to deal with the matter for conducting viva voce of the petitioner as per Rule of Ph.D Ordinance. However, even after lapse of three months, no viva voce has been conducted.

Considering that the Chancellor of Gauhati University has already directed to conduct viva voce in respect of the petitioner as per Rule of Ph.D Ordinance, Mr. R. A. Sheikh, learned counsel appearing on behalf of Mr. P. J. Phukan, learned Standing Counsel, Gauhati University to obtain instructions.

List after 10 (ten) days.