Case Note & Summary
The case involved a writ petition filed by a group of candidates who sought an additional attempt in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021 after failing to qualify in the CSE 2020, which they attributed to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The petitioners argued that the pandemic severely affected their preparation and that they were unfairly disadvantaged compared to other candidates. They claimed that the lack of an additional attempt constituted a violation of their rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had published the rules for the examination on 12th February 2020, allowing six attempts for general candidates and nine for OBC candidates, with specific age limits. The examination was initially scheduled for 31st May 2020 but was postponed to 4th October 2020 due to the pandemic. The petitioners contended that the lockdown and other restrictions hindered their ability to prepare adequately. The court noted that the UPSC had provided additional time for preparation and had allowed candidates to withdraw their applications. The court found that the rules did not allow for any relaxation in age or attempts for general category candidates who had crossed the age limit. The court ultimately dismissed the petition, stating that the petitioners had not established a legal basis for their claims and that the existing rules were clear and did not permit the requested relief.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Right to Equality - Violation of Articles 14 and 21 - Civil Services Examination - Petitioners sought an additional attempt due to pandemic hardships, claiming discrimination against last attempt candidates. Court held that the existing rules do not permit relaxation in age or attempts for general category candidates, thus denying the petitioners' request (Paras 31-36).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the petitioners are entitled to an additional attempt for the Civil Services Examination 2021 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the writ petition, holding that the existing rules do not permit any relaxation in age or attempts for general category candidates who have crossed the age limit.
Law Points
- Article 32
- Article 14
- Article 19
- Article 21
- Civil Services Examination
- age limit
- attempts
- UPSC rules
