The State Information Commission (SIC) has slapped a fine of Rs 15,000 on Lucknow University for not awarding medal to a meritorious student as convocation was not held.
The order was passed by SIC Gyanendra Sharma on Wednesday after the student Alka Bhargava, who had topped M.Sc (organic Chemistry) in 1994, alleged that she was not given the gold medal by the University officials.
She also alleged she had a tough time in getting the degree certificate.
After University authorities allegedly did not respond to her plea, Ms Bhargava approached SIC, which asked the varsity to pay Rs 15,000 as fine, official sources said.
The order said that not holding the convocation is not a student's fault and he/she should get the achievement recognition award in the respective year.
The order also directed the University authorities to update its website with the norms regarding the status of medals awarded during the tenure when the convocation was not held.
"The fine has been imposed to compensate the difficulties faced by the complainant. The university should pay it within a month," the order said.
A copy of the order has also been sent to governor, who is also chancellor of state universities.