[Live Updates] SC Rejects Plea To Defer UPSC Exams

Bench: Not just the last attempt, but take care of the age limit.

Raju: If the pandemic goes next year, well, it is wishful thinking...

Bench: Not wishful thinking ! We all want the pandemic to go. Vaccine is being developed.

Raju: A candidate might have his 6th attempt. But, he might get typhoid or heart attack.

Justice Gavai: You can’t equate a heart attack with a pandemic !

Raju: I understand. I will put the suggestion forward. 

Raju: The rules don’t provide for this.

Bench: It will have to be done by you.

Raju: We will put the suggestion. But, there are reasons for not appearing for the 6th attempt. 

Raju submits that there are 6 attempts available to a candidate.

Raju: Today it is COVID. Next time it might be typhoid or some illness. These attempts are given taking into account these possibilities. 

Bench now asks ASG SV Raju for explanations to two points:

1. Whether a candidate can get another chance if he is unable to take up their attempt now. 

Kaushik: It’s only 3 days from now. All arrangements have been made. Anything else will be self-defeating. 

Bench now asks Kaushik whether the suggestion of merger of 2020 and 2021 examination can be adopted.

Kaushik: All OMR sheets, everything has already been dispatched. It will not be possible to merge them. 

Kaushik submits that detailed precautions have been taken. From hand sanitizers, social distancing etc, all safety methods have been adopted. 

Bench: Mr. Kaushik has rightly said that such students will be separate. But, medical protocol cannot be broken.

Bench now asks Kaushik if all arrangements are made in conformity with MHA guidelines.

Bench: That was an exception, and not the norm. Medical protocol dictates that they must stay at home and you want them to break it ?

Kapadia: It will help people not hide their true condition.