Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, Atharva Milind Desai, a student who passed HSC in 2022, sought a writ of mandamus directing the Joint Admission Board, IIT (respondent) to accept his examination form and fees for JEE Advanced 2023, and to permit him to appear for the exam scheduled on 4 June 2023. He claimed that due to network connectivity glitches in his rural area, he could not register within the stipulated period from 30 April to 7 May 2023. He argued that since he had secured 92.25 percentile in JEE Main, he was otherwise eligible, and that missing the 2023 exam would bar him permanently as he had already used his two attempts. The respondent filed an affidavit-in-reply stating that the examination is governed strictly by the information brochure, particularly clause 13, which mandates online registration within the fixed timeframe. The court, after hearing both sides, found that the petitioner had not approached with clean hands, as he had not provided any evidence of the alleged network issues. The court held that the timelines in the brochure are binding and cannot be relaxed for individual hardships, as it would affect the integrity of the examination process. The petition was dismissed with no order as to costs.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ Jurisdiction - Article 226 of the Constitution of India - Examination Timelines - Petitioner sought direction to accept late registration for JEE Advanced 2023 due to network glitches - Court held that strict adherence to the brochure timelines is essential and no relaxation can be granted for technical difficulties - Held that the petition was devoid of merits and dismissed (Paras 1-8).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the court can direct the Joint Admission Board, IIT to accept a late registration for JEE Advanced 2023 beyond the stipulated deadline due to network connectivity issues.
Final Decision
The petition is dismissed. Rule discharged. No order as to costs.
Law Points
- Article 226 of the Constitution of India
- JEE Advanced Information Brochure Clause 13
- strict compliance with examination timelines
- no relaxation for technical difficulties
