Orissa high court quashes deregistration of PhD scholar by Fakir Mohan University

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has set aside deregistration of a woman PhD scholar of Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, granting her another opportunity to complete her doctoral studies.A single judge bench of Justice Ananda Chandra Behera issued the order on Friday, while considering the petition filed by the student challenging the university’s May 28, 2025 order issued by its Controller of Examinations, which had cancelled her PhD registration citing repeated failure to complete the programme and non-payment of fees.During the hearing, counsel appearing for the university and the state opposed the plea, arguing that “the conduct and attitude of the petitioner is not at all justifying her for the renewal of her Ph.D registration number.”

They contended that she was “a continuous defaulter” who had failed in several attempts to complete her PhD and had been de-registered at the instance of her own guide.Taking note of the submissions, Justice Behera, however, ruled in favour of giving the student a final chance. He observed that “when the petitioner is eagerly interested to complete her Ph.D… only in order to achieve the last goal of her life,” denying relief would not be justified.”

Accordingly, Justice Behera quashed the impugned order and directed the university authorities to renew the petitioner’s PhD registration number in accordance with UGC norms within 15 days from the date of submission of the certified copy of the judgment. The Court also asked the university to permit her to continue her research under a guide as per applicable regulations.While disposing of the petition Justice Behera further noted that restoring her registration would not adversely affect any party and “shall be in the best interest of the petitioner as well as the society at large.” The Judge added that there was “no justification to disallow this Writ Petition.