The results were declared last week, four months behind schedule.

``As it is, the results were delayed. And now we can't even apply anywhere next year'', said an affected student, adding that it was very difficult to swallow the failure of at least three of the students, who had been first class-holders throughout the term.

Incidentally, all three were reportedly working under Goel, who'd apparently had a showdown with Joshi after she was granted an extension as dean, allegedly at his cost.

Talking to Express Newsline, faculty general secretary Jaideep Gohil said even if the affected students applied for a re-check, it would be too late for them to apply elsewhere by the time the results came out.

Joshi, when contacted, refused to comment on the issue. When asked if three of the failures actually had topped the class throughout the term, she said she wasn't aware of it. ``They weren't evaluated in my presence'', she added.Goel, too, refused to comment on the controversy.