High court refused to give another PhD to Iranian student
Iranian citizen Mehri Maleki Digich, who is doing PhD from the History Department at Punjab University in Chandigarh, will no longer get a chance for not completing research in 13 years. The Punjab-Haryana High Court dismissed the two petitions filed by the student and clarified
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Demand to increase visa duration by one year
Mehri Maleki had urged the court to give him another last chance to submit the thesis, the visa period should be extended for one year, forgiven the penalty on the over station, the university should make the hostel’s facility again available and allow to live as a refugee in India.
Admitted in PhD in 2012
In 2012, the student entered the PhD course in the History Department of Punjab University. According to the rules, he had to complete the research work within 8 years. She could not submit the thesis within the stipulated time limit, citing several personal reasons, including Kovid-19. Despite this, the university sympathetically gave him the last opportunity till 30 December 2022 under ‘Golden Chance’ in the year 2022.
Punjab University.
Failed to collect research
This time too, he failed to collect research. After this, the High Court, while hearing on 24 February 2025, directed to give a special opportunity again. In the meeting held on March 6, the university gave 15 days’ deferment and approved the thesis, access to digital library and documents. But a day before the last date, the student only sent a format to her guide, while the final deposit of the thesis is with the authority concerned.
Could not take responsibility in 12-13 years
The High Court said that despite repeated opportunities over the years, the girl could not fulfill her educational responsibilities. The court clarified that he could no longer be given any other chance.
UGC rules
According to the UGC’s 2022 guideline, PhD has to be completed in 6 years. Additional exemption of two years can be given in special circumstances, but registration is necessary for this. There is also a provision of additional exemption of two years to women researchers. According to the then UGC chairman M. Jagdish Kumar, by setting the time limit, the qualified students will be able to complete their PhDs at a young age and new research scholars will also get opportunities.
Cart not found relief
The petitioner also argued that he has been declared a refugee by the United Nations Refugee High Commissioner and sought permission for a permanent residence from the Government of India. However, the High Court did not comment on the subject, but made it clear that the student could demand a refugee residence independently before the Government of India.