Yesterday, the NLU topper was in headlines because she apparently refused to take her award from the hands of Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi.
However, after the chaos, National Law University, Delhi issued a clarification stating that the news items about Ms. Surbhi Karwa refusing the gold medal are based on “incorrect facts and information”. The clarification has reached us and we are happy to bring it to our readers.
A new side to the story has emerged which demands our immediate and undivided attention.
What Was The Issue?
Ms. Surbhi Karwa, NLU Delhi LLM topper made it to news headlines yesterday after allegedly refusing to take her gold medal which had to be conferred upon her by the CJI.
Allegedly, Ms. Karwa refused to receive her award in the ceremony and skipped her convocation protesting against the bias practised while dealing with sexual harassment claims against the CJI.
In a statement given to Indian Express, Ms. Surbhi said that her conscience pricked her when she got to know that the award would be conferred upon her by the CJI and she could not swallow the fact that if she receives the award from the hands of CJI Gogoi, she would be defying the legal knowledge and morals acquired by her in the classroom.
To Know More, Read Also: NLU Topper Refuses To Take Award From Chief Justice Of India
What NLU Has To Say?
Yesterday, the prestigious National Law University, Delhi came forward and acknowledged the media reports. They issued a press release which clarified the scenario from their side and stated that the news items are guided by incorrect information.
The press note issued on behalf of the NLU Delhi’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ranbir Singh stated,
“As per the scheme of award finalised by the University, no medal was to be awarded to LL.M. topper by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. Nor did the University ever make any such communication to any student including Ms. Surabhi Karwa. In fact, the said topper was to receive the medal from Mr. Vijay Dev, Chief Secretary, Delhi NCT. The medals were also given by the other dignitaries present.”
It went on to mention that only two undergraduate students were to get the award from CJI and Ms. Surbhi is an LLM student.
The clarification mentions that Ms. Surbhi not only failed to contact the University and express her grievance but she was not even present for the rehearsal of the convocation. Since the university wasn’t aware of her plans to attend the convocation, neither had she mentioned the name of someone else who would take the award on her behalf, the medal was awarded ‘in absentia’.
As a law student, I would have appreciated the step taken by her; however, if she tried to pull up a stunt for media attention, the same shall not be acceptable as these incidents hurt the reputation of the entire legal fraternity.
Image Sources: Google Images
Sources: The Wire, Bar and Bench, Live Law
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