Ahmedabad: A life-term convict studying for a BA degree through Gujarat University (GU) sought temporary bail from the Gujarat high court to complete a mandatory internship, arguing he would be denied his degree without it. GU told the court the internship requirement applies to BA students but can be completed from inside prison, prompting the inmate to withdraw his bail application. The university, however, did not provide clarity on the nature of internship that can be pursued from behind bars.Bhupat Rabari (26), convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2020 by a city sessions court in a 2018 kidnapping-for-ransom case, has continued his education while lodged at Sabarmati central jail. He was earlier pursuing BSc and later enrolled with GU as an external student for a Bachelor of Arts degree. He recently secured 10 days’ temporary bail to appear for semester 6 examinations.Rabari then applied from jail for another spell of temporary bail, citing a GU communication asking him to submit a form showing he had undertaken an internship, a requirement linked to the New Education Policy (NEP) prescription of internships for undergraduate courses and GU’s mandate making internships necessary for eligibility for a degree.Justice Nirzar Desai, noting Rabari had just been released on temporary bail, was not inclined to grant bail again and questioned whether an internship was required for a BA degree. Rabari’s side reiterated the university’s communication insisting on compliance.On the court’s query, GU’s counsel clarified that the internship is mandatory but can be done from prison. The high court recorded the submission: “Learned advocate Mr. Rahul Rajhans for learned advocate Mr. Vikas Nair appearing for the Gujarat University, under instructions, states that though internship for B.A. is required, the same can be done even from the Jail.”Following GU’s stand, Rabari withdrew the bail plea. His lawyer then sought directions for jail authorities to provide internet access for the internship, citing restrictions on inmates’ internet use. The court said, “In case, if virtual mode is permissible, the jail authority may do the needful.”
