SC rejects all objections to CBSE & ICSE formula for evaluating Class 12 exams

The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari rejected all the objections made by some parties against the formula derived by the boards and observed that all the aspects were taken care of by the 13 member expert committee. The court observed that just because other exams like CLAT, NDA are happening, it doesn't mean that CBSE also has to proceed with exams.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today dismissed all the petitions challenging holding of class 12th board exams and affirmed its faith in the formula derived by ICSE and CBSE to assess students based on internal exams in the past years. It said that it finds "no reason to interfere in both boards' decision as the students are supporting it and it also finds it 'fair and reasonable."

The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari rejected all the objections made by some parties against the formula derived by the boards and observed that all the aspects were taken care of by the 13 member expert committee. The court observed that just because other exams like CLAT, NDA are happening, it doesn't mean that CBSE also has to proceed with exams. "The number of students appearing in each exam is different, logistics is different, managing board is different and it is for the body to decide if they will be capable of conducting the exam or not. CBSE and ICSE are autonomous bodies and can take a decision," said Justice Khanwilkar.

On apprehensions of schools manipulating the data, the court said that there will be proper assessment and inspection by the board. Over the concerns raised regarding the third covid wave that is expected around October and the tentative time period for exams, the court said that it is not possible to adopt a "second guess approach".

For prayer seeking a declaration of results on the same day, the court was assured by AG KK Venugopal that UGC is taking care of it and the admissions would not commence till the boards have declared their results. The matter pertaining to state boards is still pending in the court and shall be heard on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh government has to inform about its decision of whether it wants to conduct exams or not. The court has said that anything happens in that case then the state will be considered responsible. The court was informed that AP wants to conduct exams and is confident that it will be able to handle 5 lakhs students. However, a final decision has not been taken and was deferred to July. But the apex court ordered to inform it by tomorrow and not leave students in uncertainty.