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Summary of SC directions
1. No postponement of UPSCPrelims .
2. UPSC asked to consider granting an extra attempt to last-chance candidates who miss the exam due to COVID19 but without extending the upper age limit.
3. In view of different SOPs followed by States, #UPSC may issue directions to States to ensure that candidates with admit cards are admitted in hotels near exam centres.
4. No permission for COVID-19 candidates to appear in exams.
5. Not more than 100 candidates in Centres
6. MHA may issue supplementary guidelines to UPSC.
7. No merging of UPSC 2020 prelims with UPSC 2021 prelims as it may lead to a cascading effect.
Supreme Court dismisses the plea seeking for postponement of the UPSC examination.
However, it has provided directions to the Centre to consider concessions for those aspirants who are on their last attempt.
Bench: It was suggested that merging of 2020 prelims and 2021 prelims be done. We are not impressed by this. Resorting to this will lead to cascading effect on other exams as stated in Affidavit. UPSC should make available all facilities and follow all protocol.
Bench: The MHA may issue appropriate directions to the UPSC in the form of supplementary guidelines if there is any lacuna in conforming to MHA Guidelines. Not more than 100 students in one centre.
Bench: Allowing COVID positive people inside centres will expose other candidates, which is avoidable. We need not direct on this aspect any further.
Bench: Regarding appearance of COVID patients being allowed to appear in the exam with separate arrangement - It is not possible to entertain such general prayers. SOP requires that COVID positive ones are to be in isolation and quarantine.
Bench: In this regard, UPSC may issue directions to States to ensure that candidates with admit cards will be admitted in local hotels near sub-centres.
Bench: ASG has informed us it will be considered and a formal decision will be taken expeditiously. Different States have different SOP including not permitting admission of persons coming from other States.
Court: An extra attempt is sought for the ones who are taking the last attempt as they might not able to appear due to the pandemic. In this regard, we have impressed upon ASG to explore possibility for giving them one more attempt to such exams without extending age limit.
Court: UPSC has also allowed the students to change their centres. Coming to the issue of lack of study material and access to libraries, we disagree as online material was available for the students.