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

Divan : We are not seeking for a job or pension. We are seeking to appear in a competitive exam once more. Because there were tremendous difficulties which were being faced to put in their best efforts.

Justice Khanwilkar : If we do it for this examination, same pattern will follow in other board examinations.

Syam Divan refers to the age relaxation given in 2015 for those candidates who had their last chance in CSE 2011.

Sr Adv Syam Divan now makes submissions - Age bar has varied from 24 to 33. It has varied periodically. It has gone up and gone down.

Justice Khanwilkar orally expressed disinclination to interfere with age-bar.

'We will not touch age-bar'.

Justice Khanwilkar asks what is the age-bar.

Narasimha replies - For general 32.

'COVID has affected many candidates. This is a life-time aspiration for many', Narasimha adds supporting CU Singh's submissions.

Justice Khanwilkar asks how can age-bar be relaxed.

Narasimha says Centre has power to relax age-bar.

'If govt is exercising a discretion, it should to to the benefit of the most vulnerable people', he adds.

Narasimha : If at all anyone requires a consideration, it is the age-barred group. Denying them opportunity is arbitrary.

CU Singh - Age bar is given for a reason.

PS Narasimha (For intervenor) : COVID-19 has affected chances of many candidates. Union's offer excludes vulnerable sections.