Supreme Court Orders Manav Bharti University to Issue Law Degree; Says Students Cannot Suffer for Clerical Errors
Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and A.G. Masih rules in favour of student Pratima Das
Court sets aside Himachal Pradesh High Court order, directs university to release mark sheets and degree within four weeks
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi, January 8, 2026:
In a significant ruling that strengthens student rights, the Supreme Court of India has held that a bona fide student cannot be denied her academic documents due to clerical errors committed by a university. The Court directed Manav Bharti University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, to issue the pending mark sheets and law degree to Pratima Das, who had successfully completed her BA LL.B. course (2017–2022 batch) but was denied documents because her name did not appear in the admission disclosure list.
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Case Background
- Pratima Das, a law student, completed her five-year BA LL.B. course at Manav Bharti University.
- Despite attending classes and passing all examinations, she was denied her 5th to 10th semester mark sheets and final degree.
- The university claimed her name was missing from the admission disclosure list, even though it was correctly recorded in the Green Register and internal records.
- Das approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which relegated her to a competent court for factual adjudication.
- She then appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking relief.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Augustine George Masih made the following key points:
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- The student had no lapse on her part in admission or attendance.
- The university admitted its mistake in an affidavit, leaving no factual dispute.
- A student cannot be made to suffer for clerical or inadvertent errors committed by the institution.
- The High Court’s order was set aside, and the university was directed to issue all pending documents within four weeks.
Wider Implications
- Student Rights Strengthened: The ruling ensures that students are not penalized for administrative lapses.
- University Accountability: Institutions must maintain accurate records and cannot deny degrees due to clerical mistakes.
- Legal Precedent: The judgment sets a precedent for similar cases across India, where students face delays or denial of degrees due to errors.
Expert Opinions
- Education lawyers welcomed the ruling, saying it reinforces the principle of fairness in academic administration.
- Policy analysts noted that universities must improve record-keeping to avoid litigation.
- Student activists said the judgment will give confidence to students facing bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining their degrees.
Challenges in Higher Education
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- Clerical errors: Mistakes in admission records often lead to disputes.
- Delayed documentation: Students frequently face delays in receiving mark sheets and degrees.
- Legal battles: Many students are forced to approach courts for relief, adding financial and emotional stress.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive to Manav Bharti University is a landmark in protecting student rights. By ruling that students cannot suffer for clerical errors, the Court has reinforced the principle of fairness and accountability in higher education. The judgment ensures that Pratima Das will finally receive her law degree and sets a precedent for similar cases nationwide.
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