New Delhi: The Supreme court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea seeking postponement of UPSC civil services examination 2020 in view of corona pandemic after being assured by the UPSC that all arrangements are in place.
Taking into consideration UPSC's affidavit regarding postponement of exams, the court said that UPSC should ensure that separate sitting arrangements for candidates suffering from cough and cold is made and all COVID protocols and SOP shall be followed.
The court has directed UPSC to urge states to ensure that students with admit cards are allowed to stay in local hotels near the centres as different states have different SOP regarding allowing people from the other states.
For students who have the last attempt this year and won't be able to give due to the pandemic, the court has asked to consider the option of allowing them with one more attempt without extending their age limit.
READ: Sushant Singh Rajput's father meets CM Nitish Kumar
It was argued before the court that as the libraries were shut the students could not prepare which the court refuted by saying that it is not 1950s and the online resources are always available. It also set aside the argument of inadequate transport facilities saying that it is not substantiated.
For COVID positive patients, the court said that it can not pass general directions on it as the SOP requires them to be in isolation/quarantine.
For advocates highlighting candidates, like frontline COVID warriors, who can not appear in the exam, the court observed that the exam is for 10 lakh people and it can not be customised for individual or area.
UPSC had told the top court that it can not be postponing the exams any further as it will impact next year prelims as well. It has ensured the court if following all the protocols. The exam is scheduled to be held on 4th October.
READ: Nadda to meet top Bihar leaders over election strategy, seat sharing today
