UPSC Extra Chance For Last Attempt Candidates : Supreme Court Reserves Judgment [LIVE UPDATES]

Narasimha: It is the last exam where people put in extraordinary efforts. They give it their all. And that chance was taken away from them. And it is worst to say that those didn’t give it, that chance is taken away from them. 

Narasimha: Other things that need to be kept in mind are that it will have no bearing on the integrity on the examination, but at the same time, if exercise of discretion is done properly, it will aid them. 

Narasimha: The submission that you don’t have the discretion is fraught with two problems: 1. It is discriminatory, and 2. It does not grant the discretion to the most needy. 

Narasimha: What is the standard, my Lord ? Any reasonable person would know and realise that the pandemic situation was very much compelling. There are multiple judgments where the Court has exercised some discretion. 

Narasimha: Give us an extra chance because of prevailing circumstances. Mr. Lekhi said they would consider and the petition was dismissed. When the exam happened, many naturally could not appear. 

Narasimha: If a discretion needs to be exercised, it should be exercised in favour of everyone who is similarly placed. So far as the person I am representing, we had said that we were unable to appear in the exam and we are time-barred.

Shishodia: We only request the Court to temper merit with justice.

Bench: We are talking about one more attempt. That is, last attempt. Now, Mr. Narasimha, you tell us. 

Adv. Anushree Kapadia makes submissions on behalf of Sr. Adv. CU Singh.

Sr. Adv. Pallav Shishodia makes submissions for an Intervenor.

Advocate Anushree Kapadia for petitioners submit that if age-relaxation is not given, SC/ST candidates and persons with disabilities will be excluded from the benefit of extra-chance, as they have no age bar.

Matter has resumed.

Sr. Adv. Pallav Shishodia is making submissions now.

Bench states that they would hear the Petitioners first and then the intervenors.