Arguing For Equality, an LL.B Student Filed a Writ Challenging The Absence Of Her Mother's Name On Her Degree. Delhi High Court Directed The Authorities To Issue New Degree Certificate With Mother's Name On.

Ritika Prasad filed a writ petition challenging the absence of her mother's name on her B.A. LLB degree. She argued that this omission violated her right to equal recognition and perpetuated outdated gender stereotypes. The court agreed with Prasad, citing the University Grants Commission (UGC) circular of 2014, which requires universities to include both parents' names on educational certificates.

The court held that excluding a mother's name from an educational certificate is discriminatory and unfair. It noted that the UGC circular was issued in exercise of powers conferred by the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, and is therefore binding on GGSIPU. The court also cited Supreme Court rulings on gender equality and the right to a level playing field, emphasizing that both parents deserve equal recognition.

The court rejected GGSIPU's argument that it was considering the issue and directed it to issue a new degree with both parents' names within two weeks. The court also made suggestions to the UGC regarding the format of the circular, including the use of normal names instead of a tabular format and the possible removal of grandparents' names.

The court's decision is a significant step towards achieving gender equality in education. It ensures that both parents are recognized equally on their children's educational certificates, thus promoting a more inclusive and fair society. The court's suggestions to the UGC are also important, as they could help streamline the process and make it easier for students to have both parents' names on their certificates.

Between: RITIKA PRASAD Vs GURU GOBIND SINGH INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY.
W.P.(C) 8841/2023 and CM APPL. 33416/2023
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE C. HARI SHANKAR
JUDGMENT (ORAL)
Date: 07.03.2024