Allahabad High Court: Right to Exams Is Part of Right to Life
Court orders special exam for B.Sc. student denied admit card
Education cannot be disrupted due to technical glitches, says Justice Vivek Saran
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: January 21, 2026:
In a landmark judgment reinforcing the importance of education, the Allahabad High Court has declared that the right to appear in examinations is akin to the right to life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Prayagraj, to conduct a special examination for a first-year B.Sc. Biology student who was unfairly barred from sitting in her semester exam due to a technical error on the university’s online portal.
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The ruling underscores that students’ futures cannot be jeopardized by administrative lapses, and education must be safeguarded as a fundamental right.
Background of the Case
- The petitioner, Shreya Pandey, a student at Urmila Devi PG College, Prayagraj, had enrolled in the B.Sc. (Biology) course for the 2025–26 academic session.
- She deposited her fees on July 16, 2025, attended classes regularly, and pursued her studies.
- However, her admission details remained in “draft” form on the university’s Samarth Portal, due to no fault of her own.
- As a result, she was denied an admit card and barred from appearing in the first semester exam.
- Shreya filed a writ petition before the Allahabad High Court, seeking relief.
Court’s Observations
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Justice Vivek Saran made several important observations:
- Right to exams = right to life: Denying a student the chance to appear in exams violates her dignity and future prospects.
- No fault of student: The petitioner was not responsible for the technical glitch; hence, she should not suffer.
- Special exam ordered: The university must conduct a special exam within two weeks and publish results promptly.
- Education as a constitutional right: The Court linked the right to education and examinations to Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and dignity.
Why This Judgment Matters
This ruling has far-reaching implications for students and educational institutions:
- Protects students: Ensures that technical glitches or administrative errors do not ruin academic careers.
- Strengthens Article 21: Expands the scope of the right to life to include the right to education and exams.
- Accountability for universities: Institutions must maintain robust systems to prevent denial of opportunities.
- Precedent for future cases: Sets a strong example for courts across India to protect students’ rights.
Likely Impact on Students and Universities
- Students: Gain confidence that courts will protect their academic rights.
- Universities: Must improve digital infrastructure and ensure transparency in admissions and exam processes.
- Education system: Reinforces the principle that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
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Reactions to the Judgment
- Legal Experts: Welcomed the ruling as a progressive interpretation of Article 21.
- Students: Expressed relief that courts recognize the importance of exams in shaping futures.
- Parents: Saw the judgment as a safeguard against arbitrary denial of opportunities.
- Academics: Called for better coordination between colleges and universities to avoid such lapses.
Broader Context
The ruling builds on earlier Supreme Court judgments that expanded the scope of Article 21 to include dignity, livelihood, and education. By equating the right to exams with the right to life, the Allahabad High Court has reinforced the constitutional commitment to education as a cornerstone of democracy.
Conclusion
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The Allahabad High Court’s directive to conduct a special exam for Shreya Pandey is more than just relief for one student—it is a landmark affirmation of education as a fundamental right. By declaring that the right to exams is part of the right to life, the Court has ensured that students’ futures are not jeopardized by technical glitches or administrative failures.
This judgment will likely influence future cases, compelling universities to uphold transparency and accountability, while reassuring students that their education is constitutionally protected.
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