Ahmedabad: What began as a case of poor attendance for a fourth-year LLB student of Marwadi University took an amusing turn in the Gujarat high court, with the student linking his absence from classes to his dietary habits.Barred from appearing in examimations for failing to meet the mandatory 75% attendance rule, the student approached the high court seeking relief so that his academic progression would not be affected. Arguing his case in person, he attributed his prolonged absence to health issues, producing medical papers that cited acidity. On closer scrutiny, the reason behind the ailment drew attention. The student relied on a doctor’s certificate stating that his condition stemmed from consuming pizza and burgers over several months. The documents also showed that he had visited the doctor four to five times in the past three months. The university, on the other hand, stressed attendance rules to justify the student’s ineligibility to appear in exams. The high court suggested that the university explore a solution to avoid jeopardizing the student’s academic year. Following this, the university on Friday came up with a proposal. The student, who had already missed Mid-Term I which carried 15% weightage due to his non-attendance, could still appear for Mid-Term II and the final exams. However, unwilling to forgo the 15% lost marks, the student did not readily accept the proposal. The court then granted him time to reconsider until April 16. The HC stated, “By that time, petitioner-party-in-person is directed to make his stand clear as to whether he wants to appear in Mid-Term-II examination, which is commencing from April 20, 2026. In case no affidavit is filed by the petitioner party-in-person by the next date of hearing, it shall be construed that the petitioner is not agreeable to the proposal given by the Respondent No. 3 — university.” The matter will now be taken up on April 16, with the university also expected to file its reply on merits.
