Adv. Naresh Kaushik appearing on behalf of USPC informs the Bench that he has not received any such representation and that he will verify the same again.
Bench asks the Counsel for UPSC: Is UPSC aware of the grievances for the officers who are not being given leave for the exams from COVID duty, specially COVID warriors ? What arrangements have been made for them ?
Adv. Sumanth Nookala appearing for an Intervenor: Number of students in an exam centre should be in conformity with the MHA guidelines.
Kapadia: Please consider merging 2020 prelims and 2021 prelims.
Kapadia also seeks for centres for COVID positive students who may appear for the exam separately.
Kapadia asks if compliance for State entries may be eased for this examination, and if students could be provided accommodation based on their admit cards.
Bench: We will put forth that to the other side. Are there any other suggestions ?
Kapadia: There are people who are not able to get hotel accommodations and are travelling from far away.
Bench : Bench: The deferment cannot happen. This will happen a cascading effect on other examinations.
Kapadia requests for concession for those whose last attempt remains for the exam.
Bench: This is not new. This happens every where. Even due to climate, floods and students are not able to move out. Come out of your shell; you need to move out of your comfort.
Kapadia: I have placed on record of students who have downloaded the admit card, but are not able to travel. These are from rural areas.
Bench: How were the exams conducted in the recent past ? How were the arrangements were made ? How long can we keep waiting for this entire problem to be over ? Extraordinary situation is everywhere. You don’t know what arrangements have been made.