New Delhi, Jan 28: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to clarify as to at what level decision regarding not giving an extra chance to the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) aspirants was taken.
A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar directed the Centre to file affidavit clarifying the same and had posted the matter for tomorrow.
The Apex Court was hearing a plea filed by the UPSC aspirants, whose preparations for the October 4, 2020 preliminary examination were severely restricted due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The petitioners were seeking another chance or attempt for the civil services exams.
Senior advocate C U Singh, appearing for the petitioners, said students were unable to prepare for the examination due to coronavirus induced uncertainty and forced to appear in the examination unprepared as there was no clarity on behalf of the government in the matter.
Justice Khanwilkar told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju that the submitted affidavit says nothing about at whose level this decision has been taken.
‘It should have been taken at the highest level. It is a policy decision and a one-time exemption. It’s a routine Affidavit. Is this the way to do it? You should present something that is presentable. File this properly”, said Justice Khanwilkar.
Earlier, on January 22, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju submitted to a bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar that he had received information late on January 21 about the government’s unwillingness to give another opportunity to the aspirants.
The Court directed the ASG to put the submission on record in an affidavit.
The bench also comprising B R Gavai and Krishna Murai posted the matter for gearing on January 25.
In previous hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had been telling the court that a decision to grant another chance to UPSC aspirants was under active consideration of the Central government and the UPSC.
On December 18, 2020, the petitioners had argued for a second opportunity and age relaxation.
On October 26, the ASG, appearing on behalf of the Department of Personnel and Training, informed the Top Court that the government was considering giving last-chance candidates another attempt.
In September, the Apex Court had refused to postpone the October preliminary examinations but had recorded the government’s assurance to take a decision on granting a second chance for ‘last-attempters’.
UNI
