A departmental meeting was held today on this issue but teachers could not find any solution to the problem. The Vice-Chancellor was informed so that he can look into the legal aspects. It was later decided that the matter will be taken up in the syndicate meeting.

It might be recalled that the English department had published an attendance list where 97 students were marked `discollegiate' candidates which means that since they do not have 55 per cent attendance they would not be allowed to appear for the final examinations. Around 230 students were to appear for the examination this year, out of which, 97 students have been marked as `discollegiate'.

Following the publication of the list, students staged a protest in front of the Calcutta University saying that they should have been informed three months in advance. That would have given them a scope to increase their attendance, they said. The students had also demanded that all the students including the `discollegiate' and `noncollegiate' to appear for the examination.

Students also requested CU authorities to hold special classes for these candidates so that they could improve their attendance. However, teachers of the department do not consider it to be a feasible option. "There are difficulties in conducting classes three weeks before the examination," an English teacher said. Moreover, since this is a Supreme Court directive, conducting special classes for `discollegiate' students involves a lot of legal complications, the teacher added.

CU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suranjan Das said: "The issue is still being discussed."