Myanmar refugee challenges Delhi University passport rule in Delhi High Court
A UNHCR-recognised refugee from Myanmar has approached the Delhi High Court to challenge a Delhi University admission policy that requires foreign students to possess a valid passport. The petitioner, Henry Htoo Aung Lin, moved the court after his application for an undergraduate course at Delhi University was deemed incomplete because he could not produce the document.
The legal challenge addresses whether a recognised refugee, who cannot safely obtain a passport from the country they fled, can be denied the opportunity to seek higher education solely for failing to produce that document. Lin, who is currently living in India, fled Myanmar due to political instability, violence, and the fear of persecution.
The petition was filed on Lin's behalf by advocates Ashok Aggarwal and Kumar Utkarsh. The plea argues that applying the passport condition to recognised refugees is arbitrary and discriminatory. It specifically challenges the passport requirement stipulated in Delhi University’s Foreign Students’ Registry Admission Bulletin.
Aggarwal stated that the rule unlawfully excludes recognised refugees who, by the very nature of their status, cannot obtain passports from the countries they fled due to persecution.
During the court proceedings, the Delhi High Court sought a response from Delhi University regarding the admission policy. The court questioned the university’s counsel during the hearing, asking, “How can you expect a passport from a refugee?”
Delhi University officials have declined to comment on the ongoing legal challenge, citing the pending court proceedings. The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for its next hearing on July 13.
