New Delhi: A student of Delhi University has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the university’s decision to conduct examinations on Eid al Adha despite the Union government declaring May 28 a public holiday for the festival.
The petitioner, a student of the Integrated Law Course at the Faculty of Law, described the university’s decision as arbitrary, discriminatory, and unconstitutional. The plea argued that several constitutional institutions and public authorities, including the Supreme Court of India, had already shifted the Bakrid holiday to May 28 following the Centre’s notification.
According to the petition, the university’s refusal to reschedule examinations violates the constitutional rights of Muslim students under Articles 14, 21, 25, and 29. The plea stated that the decision forces Muslim students to choose between academic responsibilities and religious obligations.
The issue triggered protests from student groups across the campus. Student organisations accused the university administration of ignoring the concerns of Muslim students despite prior requests for rescheduling.
Ahammed Rabeeh, president of the Fraternity Movement of Delhi University, said the decision placed Muslim students in a difficult situation during one of Islam’s major festivals. Student groups including the Students Islamic Organisation and the All India Students’ Association also demanded immediate rescheduling of the examinations.
Although the university issued a circular declaring May 28 a holiday, officials clarified that the examination schedule would remain unchanged.
Student organisations stated that the move contradicts the inclusive and secular values expected from a public educational institution. They urged university authorities to reconsider the decision and provide relief to affected students ahead of Eid al Adha celebrations.
