Mysuru: A former student of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru, has sued the University in a city Consumer Court for issuing an unrecognised degree. The Court has now directed the University to pay Rs. 2 lakh as compensation to the student.

R. Roopasree, a resident of Nanjangud, filed a case against KSOU at the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum where she alleged that in the academic year 2013-14, she completed her BA degree from the KSOU.

After completing the degree, she applied for 3-year LLB course at Sarada Vilas Law College, Mysuru and paid the fees. But her admission was cancelled on the grounds of non-recognition of the KSOU BA degree by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Roopasree then moved the Consumer Court seeking compensation. In its judgement, the Court pointed out that UGC had recognised KSOU courses only up to 2012-13. Still, the KSOU mislead Roopasree that courses conducted by it were recognised by the UGC even afterwards.

“The Court is of the opinion that the complainant was a consumer of the University and the KSOU committed unfair trade practice,” the Court said in its judgment.

Stating that as Roopasree had lost valuable years and job opportunities due to the Varsity’s unfair trade practice, the Court directed KSOU to pay her a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh.