The Karnataka High Court directed the State Law University to provide exam hall invigilators with body cameras to prevent malpractices. The court emphasized the need to maintain fairness in exams amid rising competition in education and employment. It stressed that the university must uphold the sanctity of the examination process. The court also urged KLSU to create a standard operating procedure for a level playing field.
Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka instructed the Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) to establish new guidelines that include provisions for equipping examination hall invigilators and members of the flying squad with body cameras.
These cameras are intended to monitor exam malpractices and protect students’ interests. The court specified that the high-resolution body cameras should have the capability to record video in real-time and upload the footage to a secure server to prevent manipulation and ensure verification in cases of alleged misconduct.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued these directives while permitting a petition filed by law student Rahul H.M. The petitioner challenged actions taken against him in July 2024 by KSLU over allegations of malpractice, claiming he was coerced into signing pre-typed documents admitting to the alleged infractions.
The court noted that it had received numerous petitions related to KSLU’s examination procedures, revealing that students were often forced to sign pre-prepared documents confessing to alleged malpractices. The court stated that such practices do not inspire confidence in KSLU’s handling of exam misconduct.
Emphasizing that exam malpractices are a serious concern, the court highlighted that they not only affect the individual candidate but also raise questions about the integrity of the examination process, which can indirectly impact the credibility of assessments for other students.
Given the highly competitive educational and employment landscape, the court asserted that KSLU must ensure the examination process remains fair and transparent by developing comprehensive guidelines and standard operating procedures.
The court also mandated the installation of closed-circuit (CC) cameras in all KSLU examination halls and centers, with the ability to record and upload footage in real-time. These recordings would be useful for investigating any malpractice.
Additionally, the court directed that proceedings before the malpractice committee should be video recorded to determine if students were pressured to sign documents. Statements from students should also be captured and uploaded live to the server.
Furthermore, the recording procedures must comply with Section 105 (regarding the recording of search and seizure through audio-video electronic means) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Malpractices refer to unethical, dishonest, or illegal activities in various fields, often leading to unfair advantages or harm to others.
Common Types of Malpractices:
- Examination Malpractice – Cheating, impersonation, paper leaks, or use of unfair means in exams.
- Medical Malpractice – Negligence by doctors, wrong treatments, or unethical medical practices.
- Legal Malpractice – Lawyers mishandling cases, fraud, or violating client confidentiality.
- Corporate Malpractice – Financial fraud, insider trading, false advertising, or tax evasion.
- Government Malpractice – Corruption, bribery, misuse of power, or biased decision-making.
Malpractices damage credibility, fairness, and trust, often leading to legal consequences and loss of reputation.