Can't Permit Students To Go On Indefinite Strike: High Court Says Orally In Plea Seeking Another Re-Exam For Karnataka Administrative Service

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday (January 23) issued notice on a petition filed by All Karnataka State Students Association, seeking another re-examination for Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) prelims 2024, which was first held on August 27 last year.

The initial exam was scrapped on the heels of student protests over incorrect translation of English questions in the Kannada question paper. A re-exam was held on December 29, 2024 however, it is the students' claim that even the re-exam had many discrepancies and there were mistakes in the Kannada question papers.

Justice R Devdas, while issuing notice to the Karnataka Public Service Commission, expressed disinclination over students' interim prayer seeking permission to hold an indefinite strike, until their demands are met.

“Court cannot issue such directions permitting to go on strike, it is impermissible. If you want to do something you do in accordance with law. If they take action then we will...” the Judge said and posted the matter to January 30.

Significant to note that the Police had granted the students permission of one day to hold the protest on January 22 (yesterday), from morning 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

As per the plea, there were 32 mistakes in Kannada Question Paper 1 and 27 mistakes in Kannada Question Paper 2, adding up to total 59 errors in the December re-examination.

A representation seeking fresh re-examination was made to the CM on January 16.

Case Title: ALL KARNATAKA STATE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WP 1686/2025