The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied an Iranian PhD scholar’s request for an extended stay and additional time to complete her doctorate at Panjab University.
Mehri Maleki Dizicheh, who began her PhD studies in the History department at Panjab University in 2012, had petitioned the court in 2023, requesting an extension beyond the stipulated eight-year completion timeframe. She cited various reasons for her delay, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The university had granted Dizicheh a “golden chance” in September 2022 to submit her thesis by December of the same year, a deadline she failed to meet.
In February 2025, the High Court had allowed her a further extension of 15 days to submit her thesis. However, she was unable to meet this extended deadline as well. The university’s counsel indicated that despite being provided all necessary facilities, Dizicheh failed to complete her thesis submission process, submitting it only to her supervisor for format examination and not to the appropriate authority for approval.
During the proceedings, it emerged that Dizicheh, who has been recognized as a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, does not wish to return to Iran due to threats she faces there. She has also sought permission from Indian authorities to stay as a refugee.
