Principles:
1. Copying, including an attempt to copy in an examination, is a serious offence.
2. One shall not take any unauthorized materials into the examination hall.
Facts:
Rohini, an examinee in PUC, was thoroughly checked before entering the examination hall and was found carrying only authorized materials such as a pen and instrument box. While she was writing, the invigilator found chits near her feet containing answers matching her paper. Her answers tallied with the chits. A charge of copying was brought against her.
Probable decisions:
(a) Rohini shall be punished for copying.
(b) Rohini cannot be punished for copying.
Probable reasons:
(i) Something lying near the feet does not mean the person possesses it.
(ii) Being thoroughly checked at entry should be conclusive proof of no unauthorized material.
(iii) Similarities between her answers and the chits indicate she used them.
(iv) After using chits, she must have disposed of them.