The Madras High Court has postponed a hearing regarding a case involving IPS officer Pa Moorthy, who is seeking a rounding up of his 59.91% marks in his Masters in Law to 60%, allowing him to qualify for a first-class degree. The First Division Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar, delayed the proceedings due to time constraints. Moorthy originally filed a petition after his request for rounding off his marks was denied by the University of Madras. A previous ruling in a similar case allowed for the rounding up of marks. The university argues that their rules do not permit mark adjustments, leading to the ongoing legal dispute.
Madras High Court Adjourns Appeal on Marks Rounding for IPS Officer
On September 25, 2024, the Madras High Court postponed a hearing regarding a writ appeal from the University of Madras. The appeal challenges a previous order that allowed Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Pa Moorthy’s marks to be rounded from 59.91% to 60%. This adjustment would enable him to graduate with a first-class Master’s in Law (M.L.) degree rather than a second class.
The case was reviewed by the First Division Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice M. Jothiraman. They did not have enough time to hear the appeal on Tuesday, requiring an adjournment of one week. Earlier, another court bench temporarily halted the single judge’s order back in February.
In 2022, Moorthy filed a petition after failing to achieve first-class status by just 0.09% while completing his M.L. course at the University of Madras amid his busy schedule as a police officer. His request to the University for mark rounding was denied, leading him to seek legal recourse.
Justice Abdul Quddhose, who initially ruled in favor of Moorthy, referenced a similar past case where marks were rounded up from 59.96%. The judge concluded that Moorthy deserved the same consideration given his circumstances. However, the University argues that its regulations do not permit rounding of marks, contending that the earlier ruling was incorrect.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges faced by public service professionals in balancing work and education, especially when a minimal marks shortfall can impact academic recognition.
Photo Credit: K. Pichumani – Madras High Court, Chennai
Published – September 25, 2024, 02:41 am IST
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Why does the IPS officer want a first-class degree?
The IPS officer believes that a first-class degree shows strong academic performance and commitment, which can be important for their job. -
What does the university say about the degree requirement?
The university says that they cannot give a first-class degree to everyone because their grading system is different, and some students may not meet that standard. -
Is the university’s decision final?
Yes, the university’s decision is final according to their grading policies, and they cannot change a student’s degree classification after it has been awarded. -
Can I still apply for IPS with a degree lower than first-class?
Yes, you can still apply for the IPS with a lower degree, but it may affect your chances. It’s best to check the latest eligibility requirements for the IPS. - What can students do if they feel unfairly judged?
Students can contact the admissions or academic office to discuss their concerns and see if there are any options or advice available for them.
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