Anusha Gupta and Another Barred from JEE 2025 and 2026, Directed to Undertake Community Service Without Academic Stigma
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court has upheld the decision to bar Anusha Gupta and another appellant from appearing in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for the years 2025 and 2026. This decision came after allegations of manipulation and inconsistencies in their examination process were found to be unsupported by forensic evidence. The court, however, has taken a compassionate approach by ensuring that this debarment does not stigmatize their future academic pursuits.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, upheld the findings of the learned Single Judge who had earlier dismissed the writ petition. The Single Judge's order was based on a detailed forensic report by the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL), which indicated the absence of crucial browser logs needed to substantiate the appellants' claims.
While the appellants volunteered not to appear for the JEE in the specified years, the court clarified that they are free to pursue other academic examinations. The court, emphasizing the appellants' youth and recent completion of their Class 12 board examinations, stated that the debarment should not affect their future academic records negatively.
In lieu of imposing financial costs, the court directed both appellants to undertake community service. Appellant No. 1, Anusha Gupta, is required to serve at Vrindha Ashram, an old age home in Jhansi, whereas Appellant No. 2 is directed to serve at Gharonda Bal Ashram, a child care centre in Ghaziabad. Their service, scheduled from May 15, 2026, to June 15, 2026, will be documented and certified by the respective institutions and District Magistrates.
This judgment, while upholding the integrity of examination procedures, also highlights the court's consideration of the broader impact on young students' futures. The appellants are expected to submit attendance sheets and certificates of their community service to the court post-completion.
Bottom Line:
Appellants barred from appearing in JEE examinations for 2025 and 2026 but allowed to pursue other academic opportunities without stigma. Community service mandated as part of penalty.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, 1950
Anusha Gupta v. National Testing Agency, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2833171
