Question

Principles:
1. Copying, including an attempt to copy in an examination, is a serious offence.
2. One shall not take any unauthorized materials into the examination hall.
Facts: Rohini, an examinee in PUC, was thoroughly checked before entering the examination hall and was found carrying only authorized materials such as a pen and instrument box. While she was writing, the invigilator found chits near her feet containing answers matching her paper. Her answers tallied with the chits. A charge of copying was brought against her.
Probable decisions:
(a) Rohini shall be punished for copying.
(b) Rohini cannot be punished for copying.
Probable reasons:
(i) Something lying near the feet does not mean the person possesses it.
(ii) Being thoroughly checked at entry should be conclusive proof of no unauthorized material.
(iii) Similarities between her answers and the chits indicate she used them.
(iv) After using chits, she must have disposed of them.

• (a) (iii)
• (a) (iv)
• (b) (iii)
• (b) (ii)

Hint:

In disciplinary matters, suspicion alone is not enough — the burden of proof lies in showing the accused actually committed the offence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Linking facts to the principles. Principle 2 prohibits carrying unauthorized materials into the exam hall. Since Rohini was thoroughly checked and no such materials were found on her, it cannot be conclusively proved that she brought them in. 

Step 2: Considering the evidence. The chits were found near her feet, but possession is not automatically established without proof. The possibility exists that they arrived there through other means. 

Step 3: Reason for decision. Reason (ii) supports that a thorough check at entry serves as strong evidence she did not bring in unauthorized material. Without direct proof of possession or use, punishing her would be against the principles of fairness. 

Step 4: Conclusion. Rohini cannot be punished for copying; the correct decision is (b) with reason (ii). \[ \boxed{\text{Correct answer: (d) (b) (ii)}} \]