Though students of Masters of Law (LL.M) course at the Mumbai University (MU) have demanded that their question papers be set in Marathi, officials have hinted that there might not be any relief in the near future.
Seeking intervention
In 2011, the varsity had allowed students to write answers in Marathi, but the question papers had been set only in English. The demand to frame question papers in Marathi for LL.M students was first made in 2016. The Student Law Council (SLC) on Friday wrote a letter to the head of the law department, Dr. Rajashri Varhadi, requesting her and the varsity to look into the issue “on priority”.
According to the SLC, nearly 200 students in the LL.M course write their answers in Marathi. However, since question papers are set only in English, they face hurdles. The SLC has vowed to follow up the issue rigorously with the university.
Deepak Shelar, an LL.M student specialising in criminology, said, “I studied in a Marathi-medium school. I have been writing all my papers in Marathi. Earlier, during the LL.B course, we would have question papers set in Marathi. However, now it is only in English and it takes some time to translate the questions to Marathi. I have often misinterpreted questions and realised it only later.”
Rehan Momin, another LL.M student said, “We have to read the question, translate and understand it before answering. If the question papers were given in Marathi, it would save us some time. We can use it to answer the other questions better and quicker. When we make mistakes, they are not even considered, as the onus is on us. We lose marks.”
Varsity officials confirmed that a letter had been submitted to them. They, however, said that a decision may not be taken instantly.
‘Need for consultation’
An official from the university said, “The students submitted the letter to us on Friday. We cannot assure them anything. The Board of Studies, Vice-Chancellor, controller of examinations, professors teaching various specialities, visiting faculties, paper setters and checkers will have to be consulted before taking a decision. It is not as easy as it may seem to some. The help of software could also be taken, but the decision will have to be taken after making proper consultations.”
The public relations officer of the varsity, Vinod Malale, refused to comment on the ongoing issue.