A copyright infringement case against a photocopy shop in North Campus was earlier filed by a few publishers. However, the Delhi High Court dismissed the case and were further hailed by Delhi University students.
ASEAK or the Association of Students’ for Equitable Access to Knowledge, on the other hand, termed it as a ‘rare and incredible order’. They were of the opinion that the conviction and struggle of the students has asserted itself in a powerful way. They believe that the knowledge that is imparted and produced at the universities belong to the public, and they controlling it serves no purpose. All their actions to abstain open access to knowledge go in vain.
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Some factors that may have guided HC’s decision are as follows:
- Large number of students in India belong to the economically weaker sections
- Severe resource crunch is prevalent in most of the public universities
- High costs of academic books
- Limited reach and supply of books
Keeping the same in view, it is completely rational and logical for students to resort to photocopying as a quick fix in an educational system that lacks behind in serving the demands of university students.
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Some students even described the photocopy shops as the ‘life and blood’ of students. They were happy that a democratic decision had been taken that not only protects the rights of students, but also ensure knowledge production is consumed by all.