Prick of conscience: Youth moves HC to surrender BE degree

Stating that his misdeed was weighing on his mind, a 26-year-old engineering graduate has moved the Bombay High Court seeking a direction to the authorities to take back his degree which he said was secured by unfair means. In his petition, Vaibhav Patil said he obtained B.E. degree from University of Mumbai in May, 2011, but is now feeling restless as he had cleared one paper in the first year by paying bribe to beneficiaries of a paper leak scam.

A bench headed by Justice S S Kemkar has asked senior counsel Rui Rodrigues to file an affidavit after two weeks, stating the policy of the University in such matters and whether it would take back the degree.

Patil said he had no proof to show that he had paid bribe, but his conscience pricked him day and night and he was unable to do anything or seek a job or do business.

He had a heavy burden on his heart and wanted to return the degree. Once this happens, he can then do some business to make a living, he said.

Patil, who appeared in person, also told the court that he had already wasted a few years pleading with the University to take back his degree, but the varsity officers instead advised him to consult a psychiatrist.

In a letter to the Chancellor of the University, annexed to the petition, Patil said he had also approached a students body which told him it could not take up his case because he was no longer a student.

He had committed a crime by paying bribe to pass the examination and was repenting this act.