In a strong rebuke to administrative apathy, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mainpuri, has directed Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, to compensate a former student with Rs. 46,000 for failing to issue her B.Sc. degree for over 12 years.
The complainant, Shweta Mishra, an advocate, completed her B.Sc. from Baburam Yadav P.G. College, Karhal—an affiliated college of the university—in 2010. Despite applying online for her degree on January 1, 2022, and paying the requisite fee of Rs. 500, her repeated efforts to obtain the document were ignored.
After failed follow-ups, a formal grievance in December 2022, and a legal notice in June 2024, Mishra approached the Consumer Commission seeking compensation for the prolonged delay.
On July 16, 2025, the Commission found the university guilty of deficiency in service and issued a stern order. The Commission, presided over by Shri Shashi Bhushan Pandey and Member Smt. Nitika Das, directed the university to issue the degree within two months and awarded compensation.
Quoting the court, the order stated:
“After passing the B.Sc. examination in 2010 and after submitting the application on the proforma and depositing the requisite fee, it is the complainant’s right to be given the degree, which was not given.”
The Commission further observed:
“The failure of the university to act deprived the complainant of an important legal right, causing prolonged mental and physical anguish.”
The university, despite being served notice, did not appear before the Commission. As a result, the matter proceeded ex parte. Based on documentary evidence, including mark sheets, application forms, and legal communication, the Commission ruled decisively in favour of the complainant.
As per the order:
- Rs. 40,000 was awarded as compensation for mental and physical anguish.
- Rs. 6,000 was awarded towards legal and notice expenses.
- The university must issue the degree within two months of the order.
However, the Commission rejected the complainant’s separate claim of Rs. 5,000 for contractual loss, stating that it was already covered under the compensation for deficiency in service.
The complainant has been directed to provide a certified copy of the order to the university within one month to facilitate compliance.
