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

Bench: We will consider that.

Matter will now resume post lunch.

Bench observes that figures need to be looked at because the benefit needs to be uniform.

Divan: This is not an entitlement. If the attempt & age is saved, then it’s not a problem. You will have to do a balancing, but at one point if you are satisfied with the lack of ability.

Divan: I agree with the Union’s Affidavit, but I want to press on the issue of differential impact. I mean, the impact might have been uniform, but the consequences on different people would have been different.

Divan: There might have been movement when the exam was conducted, but giving an exam is different from the preparation of the fact, and that preparation period needs to be seen.

Divan: If I may just sum up, I want to draw attention to the Reply Affidavit to the Counter on behalf of Union Government. It’s an Affidavit by Uday Bhan Singh.

Divan specifies how 1992 was particularly crucial as a five-year relaxation was granted.

Justice Khanwilkar: Are you aware that there’s a judgement in 1992 ? I appeared in that.

Divan: Your Lordships have the advantage of many perspectives.

Divan is now making submissions on “upper-age limit” and presents a trajectory on how the limit has changed over the years. 

Divan: The plea of the Petitioners for an extra attempt is bonafide. The Respondents have a public duty to ensure that the Petitioners get a fair chance. 

Divan now reads out a written note.

Divan: In an ordinary year, this argument would not be entertained or appreciated. But, this year, is not ordinary.