UPSC Extra Chance For Last Attempt Candidates : 'Is It Possible To Give Age Relaxation?', SC Asks Centre - LIVE UPDATES

ASG Raju says if age-relaxation is given, other candidates may also come.

Justice Khanwilkar : Then we will say it is given as a one time measure.

Justice Khanwilkar : Policies are made based on ground realities. Is it possible as a one-time measure?

Justice Khanilkar : We are also of the view that age should not be aged. But if it is done in the past, is it possible? Some candidates were involved in COVID duty. Is it not possible as a one time measure.

Justice Khanwilkar : You can always argue it is a policy decision. But is there a way out? Is is possible to give age relaxation...there are people who got age-barred by few days..

Justice Khanwilkar to ASG : We don't expect you to be rigid on this aspect. There were extraordinary circumstances.

ASG : We were never rigid. Initially we were not considering extra chance. Then after your lordships' suggestion we have agreed.

ASG SV Raju now appears.

J Khanwilkar : This is an issue which you alone can address and you need to do it.

Sr Adv Pallav Sisodia submits that his clients are harshly hit, as they got age-barred by 10-12 days. He adds that they were policemen and were involved in COVID duty.

Justice Khanwilar observes that it is a policy decision and that the Court cannot direct to frame policy in a particular manner

Divan : This is a matter where circumstances have been quite overwhelming. State has been gracious to grant once chance. But age-bar relaxation ought to be considered as they have done in the past.

Divan says that petitioners include candidates who could not access online materials, married women who had to adjust due to changed household situations, candidates who themselves got COVID, candidates without access to 3G/4G etc.