'February Judgment Covers Everyone' : Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Seeking Extra Attempt In UPSC Exams

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by 6 civil service aspirants seeking extra chance in the Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) exam(Sohan Kumar and others vs Union of India and another).

A bench comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Aniruddha Bose observed that the issue is covered by the judgment delivered on February 24 in the case Rachna and others vs Union of India where the Court had turned down the plea made by last attempt candidates for an extra chance in UPSC exams.

Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai, appearing in the present matter, submitted that the petitioners are not covered by that judgment. He said that petitioners were persons who could not attempt the October 2020 exam either because they were infected with COVID or because they had to be in quarantine.

"The judgment does not cover COVID candidates, those in quarantine..", Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai submitted.

"That judgment covers everyone", Justice Khanwilkar observed.

Following the brief exchange, the bench proceeded to dismiss the petition.

"Our previous judgement dated 24 February 2021 covers everything. We decline to interfere. The issue has already been answered", the bench stated in the order.