The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed through Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava urging the Court to quash the revised calendar issued by the UPSC, seeking postponement of the exam by two or three months till the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
Before the hearing today, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) filed an affidavit asserting that the October 4 date for conducting the Civil services preliminary exam 2020 cannot be deferred as it would lead to delaying next year's prelims too scheduled for June 27, 2021.
Senior Advocate VK Shukla, appearing for 20 UPSC aspirants contented that UPSC needs to be more human. Aspirants are working as frontline COVID warriors. They had not prepared to participate in all these activities.
To which the court replied that it's for 10 lakh people and it cannot be customized area or individual wise. We have seen the affidavit by UPSC. They have said all arrangements been made. They will take into account more arrangements. But should not be held for some students that are not logical.
It was pointed out by the court that there are 72 centers and 2,500 sub-centers there and therefore Distance will be between students.
Shukla contented that many students have not been able to study. Libraries are closed which is a big help for students of every strata of society. Full preparation cannot be compromised. To which the SC rightly stated “Maybe you are thinking about the 1950s. Now all study material is available on the internet.”
The Counsel further contended that relaxation on the number of attempts needs to be given to the students who are appearing for the last attempt.
The Court has said that An extra attempt is sought for the ones who are taking the last attempt as they might not able to appear due to the pandemic. In this regard, we have impressed upon ASG Raju to explore the possibility for giving them one more attempt to such exams without extending age limit.
The Court stated “UPSC has asked Chief Secretaries of all States to arrange transport. You are aspiring to become a public servant. You are not a student. Tell me how many public exams have been conducted in the recent past? Was it not acceptable to everyone?”
Advocate Kaushik appearing on behalf of the state stated that they have written to all the Chief Secretaries of states. They have requested that the public transport level run at an optimum level during the exam and also till October 3. They have also given a complete list of centers.
The court also noted that regarding the appearance of COVID patients being allowed to appear in the exam with the separate arrangements. It is not possible to entertain such general prayers. SOP requires that COVID positive ones are to be in isolation and quarantine. Allowing COVID positive people inside centers will expose other candidates which are avoidable. We need not direct on this aspect any further. UPSC should ensure separate sitting arrangements for candidates who are suffering from cough and cold during the test.
The Court lastly said that it was suggested that merging of 2020 prelims and 2021 prelims be done. We are not impressed by this. Resorting to this will lead to a cascading effect on other exams as stated in Affidavit. UPSC should make available all facilities and follow all protocols.
Supreme Court dismisses the plea seeking postponement of the UPSC examination.
