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Issues Involved:
1. Whether the respondents were entitled to a hearing before the appellant decided to cancel their examination results. 2. Whether the appellant's Committee was required to act judicially or quasi-judicially. 3. Whether the principles of natural justice, specifically the maxim "audi alteram partem," applied to the Committee's actions. Issue-Wise Detailed Analysis: 1. Hearing Entitlement Before Cancelling Examination Results: The respondents, who were students at G.S. Hindu Intermediate College, contended that they were not given an opportunity to rebut allegations of using unfair means before their examination results were canceled and they were debarred from future examinations. They argued that this lack of opportunity violated the principles of natural justice. The appellant admitted that no opportunity was given to the respondents to rebut the allegations during the inquiry by the Committee. The Supreme Court ultimately agreed with the respondents, affirming that they were entitled to a hearing before any punitive action was taken against them. 2. Requirement for the Committee to Act Judicially or Quasi-Judicially: The main contention revolved around whether the Committee was required to act judicially or quasi-judicially. The respondents argued that the Committee should act judicially, necessitating a hearing before any adverse decision. The appellant argued that the Committee acted administratively and was not required to provide a hearing. The Supreme Court examined the nature of the Committee's duties under the U.P. Intermediate Education Act and relevant Regulations. It concluded that the Committee, while exercising its powers under Rule 1(1) of Chapter VI, was acting quasi-judicially. This conclusion was based on the need for the Committee to make objective determinations based on materials presented, which could significantly affect the examinees' rights and careers. 3. Application of Principles of Natural Justice: The principle of "audi alteram partem" (hear the other side) was central to the case. The respondents contended that this principle applied even if the Committee was acting administratively. The Supreme Court agreed, stating that the serious consequences of the Committee's decisions necessitated adherence to natural justice principles. The Court noted that though the Act and Regulations did not expressly mandate a hearing, the nature of the Committee's functions implied a duty to act judicially, thus requiring it to provide an opportunity for the examinees to present their case. Conclusion: The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the High Court's decision that the respondents were entitled to a hearing. The Court held that the Committee, when exercising its powers under Rule 1(1), was acting quasi-judicially and was therefore required to follow the principles of natural justice, including providing an opportunity for the examinees to be heard. The absence of such an opportunity rendered the Committee's actions invalid.
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