Is the Kerala HC's Ruling a Blow to Vijayan's Governance?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal twist, the Kerala High Court has upheld the cancellation of KEAM results, dealing a blow to the Vijayan government. The ruling raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the admission process for aspiring engineering and medical students in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala High Court upheld the cancellation of KEAM results.
- Last-minute changes in eligibility criteria were deemed unjustified.
- The ruling affects thousands of students and the admission process.
- Parents and educational experts have criticized the government's actions.
- Future clarity in admission policies is essential.
Kochi, July 10 (NationPress) In a significant setback for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala, the High Court on Thursday upheld the cancellation of the Kerala Engineering Architecture and Medical (KEAM) entrance examination results. This ruling marks the second consecutive day of legal challenges for the state.
The division bench dismissed the appeal made by the state government, which sought to overturn the single bench’s decision from Wednesday that annulled the KEAM rank list published on July 1.
The court emphasized that the last-minute alteration in the eligibility criteria was unwarranted and instructed the authorities to revert to the original prospectus and issue a new rank list.
The controversy began when the state government released a Government Order on July 1—the same day the rank list was announced—modifying the evaluation formula.
According to the new criteria, the mark distribution for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry was shifted from 1:1:1 to 5:3:2, which adversely impacted students from CBSE and ICSE boards, who claimed the adjustment was both biased and arbitrary.
Justice D.K. Singh, in the single bench ruling, stated that the alteration was not only inequitable but also breached the principles of natural justice. The court criticized the government for changing the prospectus post-examination and result declaration.
Despite the government's quick appeal to the division bench for a stay on the ruling, the bench upheld the previous decision, asserting that the prospectus constitutes a binding agreement and that retrospective changes are legally indefensible.
This ruling has thrown the admission process for professional courses into disarray, creating anxiety among thousands of students and their families. Parents of affected students, especially from the CBSE and ICSE backgrounds, welcomed the court's decision, accusing the government of irresponsibility.
“This was entirely unnecessary. How can a responsible government alter rules after results are published? We are relieved that the court has stepped in,” expressed a collective of parents after the hearing.
Veteran educationist and former engineering college principal, Prof. R.V.G. Menon, noted that this situation had been brewing for some time. “The way forward is to strictly adhere to the published eligibility standards. A clear and consistent policy must be established well in advance for the next KEAM cycle,” he insisted.
KEAM 2024 was conducted from April 23 to 29, with results announced on May 14. The controversial rank list based on the revised criteria was released on July 1, igniting the legal dispute.
KEAM serves as the state’s entrance exam for admissions to professional courses, excluding nursing. The question now remains whether the state government will escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Point of View
The ruling by the Kerala High Court underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in educational assessments. The decision reflects the judiciary's role in upholding principles of natural justice, ensuring that students are treated equitably. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the government to establish clear and consistent policies moving forward.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the Kerala High Court's ruling on KEAM results?
The Kerala High Court upheld the cancellation of the KEAM entrance exam results, affirming the decision made by the single bench.
Why were the KEAM results canceled?
The results were canceled due to a last-minute change in the eligibility criteria, which the court deemed unfair and arbitrary.
What changes were made to the KEAM evaluation criteria?
The evaluation ratio of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry was changed from 1:1:1 to 5:3:2, affecting students from CBSE and ICSE backgrounds.
What has been the reaction of parents regarding the court's decision?
Parents have expressed relief and welcomed the court's ruling, criticizing the government for changing rules after the results were declared.
Will the Kerala government appeal the ruling to a higher court?
It remains to be seen whether the Kerala government will take the matter to the Supreme Court following this ruling.
