Former Chandigarh mayor Davesh Moudgil has written to top university and state officials demanding a probe into a photograph of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi taken inside a Panjab University MA exam hall. He seeks CCTV evidence, a rule‑check and possible two‑year debarment if a prohibited device was used.

  • Channi’s exam photo is alleged to breach university rules
  • Former mayor demands a formal investigation by PU authorities
  • Potential penalty includes up to two years of debarment

On August 20, 2026, a photograph of former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi appeared in a newspaper, showing him inside the Panjab University MA examination hall. The picture, published on August 21, sparked immediate controversy over a possible breach of the university’s strict examination regulations.

Former Chandigarh mayor Davesh Moudgil addressed a formal letter to the university’s Vice‑President (who also serves as the chancellor), the Punjab Governor, the State Chief Minister and the PU Vice‑Chancellor. He asked for details on who captured the image, which device was used, and why no immediate action was taken at the venue.

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Moudgil warned that if any prohibited electronic device was brought into the hall, the university’s Unfair Means Cases (UMC) Regulations should be invoked without delay. He also requested that CCTV footage from the relevant date and time be preserved and examined to determine whether security personnel or any other individual accompanied the former chief minister inside the examination premises.

According to Panjab University’s examination rules, mobile phones, cameras, smart watches, earphones, tablets, laptops and any other digital gadgets are strictly forbidden inside examination centres. Violations can attract a debarment of up to two years, along with other disciplinary measures.

Historical Background: Over the past decade, the university has penalised several students for similar infractions. In 2018, a high‑profile case resulted in a two‑year ban, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to a fair testing environment.

Student bodies have rallied behind the complaint, arguing that allowing a political heavyweight to flout the rules would be an injustice to countless students who have faced penalties for the same violations. They have called for complete transparency and a swift, impartial inquiry.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that any perceived leniency towards political figures in academic settings can erode public trust in educational institutions and set a dangerous precedent for future examinations across India.

If the rules were indeed broken, it undermines the credibility of the entire examination system.
Did You Know?: Panjab University tightened its digital‑device ban in 2020 after a series of cheating scandals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Which electronic devices are prohibited during PU exams?
Answer: Mobile phones, cameras, smart watches, earphones, tablets, laptops and any other digital gadget.

Question 2: What penalty could be imposed if a violation is proven?
Answer: Up to a two‑year debarment from all university examinations and possible additional disciplinary action.