V-C of MU failed in one law exam paper, RTI query reveals

The University of Mumbai vice-chancellor (V-C), Sanjay Deshmukh, failed in one of the four papers in his second semester law exam that was held in April/May this year, a Right to Information (RTI) query revealed.

The University of Mumbai vice-chancellor (V-C), Sanjay Deshmukh, failed in one of the four papers in his second semester law exam that was held in April/May this year, a Right to Information (RTI) query revealed.

Deshmukh, a first-year law student at Adv. Datta Patil College of Law, Alibaug, where he got admitted in June 2014, said, “I believe in continuation of education. In fact, when I took charge, I told people that I am a student. And I have no qualms talking about my failure in public.”

He added that his responsibilities as the V-C didn’t have any bearing on his performance in the second semester exam.

RTI activist Anil Galagali, who had filed the query, raised questions over Deshmukh continuing as the V-C.

Galagali said he would write to the Governor, who is the chancellor of the university, to look into the matter.

Deshmukh, however, said the failure doesn’t dent his eligibility for the post of V-C.

“I am perfectly qualified for the position. In fact, the exam took place in May, before I was declared vice-chancellor in June,” he said. According to information provided by the university’s examination department, Deshmukh also didn’t appear for the first semester examination held in October/November last year.

However, as per university rules, a student can appear for the second semester exam without having appeared for the first semester.

Deshmukh confirmed that he had not appeared for the first semester exam and said he was unable to do so as, at that time, he was representing the Government of India at the United Nations (UN).