New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to submit a brief note on Wednesday regarding steps taken or to be taken for various issues regarding conducting CA exams so that the court can pass appropriate directions and dispose of the matter. The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Aniruddha Bose was hearing a petition seeking an option to opt-out from appearing in CA exams in view of Covid-19.
The court suggested that ICAI can identify a competent authority to certify if the candidate is unfit for exams and should be allowed to appear in the next chance. It said that Covid related problems need to be taken into account while certifying. Judges who themselves fought Covid-19 some time back, narrated their experiences and said that it has long-term effects even after recovering and a competitive exam needs proper preparation and focus which the candidate won't be able to do if affected.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that last time some marriage halls were also converted into examination centers which were not safe at all. The court asked ICAI to consider that and adhere to SOPs in conducting the examination. Regarding RT-PCR tests, which the Institute has made mandatory, the petitioner argued that every student might not be able to take them. The court agreed with it and added that the RT-PCR report is not always correct.
Along with these issues, the court also sought a reply on transportation, accommodation, declaration of results, test for invigilators, etc. The ICAI assured the court that it will take all the suggestions and submit its policies on Wednesday positively.
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