The Delhi High Court highlighted on Wednesday the urgent need to reassess mandatory attendance policies in colleges and universities, citing significant changes in teaching methods since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court emphasized the impact of attendance requirements on students' mental health and suggested that grievance redressal mechanisms and support systems in educational institutions need to be improved.

Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma stated that the question of mandatory attendance in undergraduate and postgraduate programs should be addressed at a broader level, beyond individual courses or institutions. They proposed shifting the focus from penalizing students for low attendance to encouraging class participation.

The bench indicated a desire to establish a committee to examine these issues and develop uniform practices for attendance in UG and PG courses. This discussion is part of ongoing proceedings related to a 2016 Supreme Court case concerning the suicide of Sushant Rohilla, a third-year law student at Amity University, who reportedly took his life after being barred from exams due to insufficient attendance.

The court noted that traditional attendance requirements, which have been a long-standing feature of educational regulations, may need reevaluation in light of new teaching methods that include virtual and online learning. It acknowledged that education now extends beyond the classroom and that attendance policies should reflect these modern realities.

The court recognized that some students juggle work and education, particularly in rural areas where access to technology may be limited. It stressed the importance of consulting teachers and students to determine appropriate attendance standards.

Finally, the court pointed out that complex and scientific subjects are often taught through online resources, which should be considered in redefining attendance norms. The case will continue with further discussions involving key stakeholders, including the Union of India, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) on September 9.