Sibal backs Unmukt, requests DU to allow him for exam

New Delhi  : Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Friday said he had requested the Delhi University vice chancellor to use his discretionary powers and allow U-19 World Cup winning captain Unmukt Chand to write his exams.

“I requested Valson Thampu (principal, St. Stephen college) if he could use his discretionary powers to ensure that Unmukt could sit for his university. He said he was bound by university rules… then I requested the vice-chancellor (of Delhi University) if he could use his emergency powers. He agreed to it and said he would be positively inclined,” Sibal told reporters outside parliament.

Unmukt, a BA student at St. Stephen’s college, was not allowed to take his second semester exams by the college authorities due to low attendance.

Meanwhile, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh when contacted by IANS, clarified the university’s stand and said the university is waiting for the college to provide attendance records of Unmukt Chand.

“We have asked the college administration to provide the records to take further decision over the matter,” said Singh.

When IANS contacted St. Stephens College administration, an official said: “Unmukt’s case is in high court. The court’s next hearing is Sep 16. We will do as per the court direction.”

Unmukt had earlier approached the Delhi High Court to sit for his exams. But since he was late in approaching the court, he could appear in only two exams out of four.

According to university rules, a student should pass 50 percent of all exams in both semesters combined to move on to the next year of the course.

The next hearing is slated for Sep 16.

Unmukt’s results have been withheld on the court’s direction.