The Court directed the university to announce the names of all meritorious toppers across different streams as a gesture of appreciation, despite the existing administrative policy of awarding the Chancellor's Gold Medal on a rotational basis.

Order

1. In compliance of the erstwhile discussions, an amended writ petition has been filed and the same is taken on record.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the petitioner has appeared in M.Sc (Medical) Biochemistry Part.1 (main) Examination, May 2024 and she has been declared as topper of the batch, in the year 2022, as she secured highest marks in M.Sc Biochemistry.

3. It is submitted that vide communication made by the Office of Hon'ble Governor/Chancellor qua the grant of Chancellor's Gold Medal, it was articulated that the said award shall only be awarded on rotational basis qua six faculties, on alternate year basis; thence, the same is per-se arbitrary. Learned counsel for the petitioner has assailed the said communication and has contended that the said award, encourages the will of the students and acts as a token of appreciation to their efforts towards sincere dedication qua the studies. Thence, the same is ought to be granted to all the toppers, irrespective of their streams and subjects chosen.

4. Learned counsel for the respondent has opposed the said prayer, and submitted that the policy decision was taken in the year 2016, and as per the relevant Ordinance i.e. 122C, the scheme practice is that the said award id of highest honor and the same is to be awarded only to the highest scoring candidates, of one stream/subject on rotational basis. It is submitted that the lis at hand is purely administrative in nature and the same does not warrant any judicial interference.

5. Heard.

6. Considering the overall facts facts and circumstances of the matter at hand, at this stage when convocation is scheduled to be held today itself and the present amended petition is filed at belated stage, this Court without entering into nitty-gritty of the instant matter, subject to the contention made by the learned counsel for the respondent-RUHS that they admit the fact that there are six different faculties/subjects wherein toppers, subjects and evaluation patterns are different and in every year there are six toppers from the distinguishable field; however, on account of the impugned policy, only one topper out of all is selected, for Chancellor's Award. In view thereof, this Court directs that as the instant petition is here before this Court, for adjudication, at a belated stage as today the Convocation is already scheduled, the respondents may move in accordance with the operational and governing scheme and existing policy, however, the names of all the meritorious/topper candidates vis-a-vis the streams as available be announced as a gesture of appreciation to their sincere efforts towards studies.

7. As the instant order is passed in presence of the counsel representing the respondents, it is expected that the directions passed herein be complied with by the respondents.

8. Accordingly, the present petition is disposed of. Pending applications, if any, stand disposed.