New Delhi: Supreme Court today slammed the Central government for filing an ambiguous affidavit regarding extra attempt for UPSC civil services aspirants who could not utilise their chance in 2020 due to covid 19 pandemic and are now not eligible any longer to give the exam.
The bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar told the centre today that they would have preferred an affidavit filed by a higher official as it is a policy decision. The affidavit was filed through under secretary. "Its a routine affidavit. Is this the way to do it? You should present something that is presentable," said the bench to the Centre.
Advocate appearing for the candidates submitted before the court today that there is no clearity given by the government on the matter.
In earlier hearings the centre had first informed the court that they are considering the request of the candidates but later on it was conveyed that they can not grant an extra attempt as it would lead to a differential treatment.
A bunch of UPSC civil services candidates had moved to the apex court seeking the relief of an extra chance as they were not well prepared in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic but were forced to give the exam as it was their last chance. The exam has age limit and also attempts limit due to which some candidates had to approach the court for relief.
Today the court asked the centre to file another affidavit properly and adjourned the matter.
