Supreme Court allows Kerala govt to hold physical exam for Class 11

New Delhi, September 17

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Kerala government to hold physical exams for Class 11 amid the Covid pandemic and expressed satisfaction over the steps being taken by it to ensure that no untoward situation is faced by students.

The top court said holistic approach had to be taken in the matter and the authorities concerned are conscious of their duties.

A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and CT Ravikumar dismissed an appeal filed by advocate Rasoolshan A, challenging the Kerala High Court order refusing to interfere with the state government's decision to hold offline exams.

The apex court said a detailed affidavit had been filed by the state and it is taking all measures related to the coronavirus protocol.

"We are convinced by the explanation offered by the state and trust the authorities will take all precautions and necessary steps so that no untoward situation is faced by students who are of tender age and appearing for the proposed examination. Dismissed," it said.

The apex court said it had intervened on the earlier occasion as there was a possibility of a third wave of coronavirus by September.

"Third wave is not in offing immediately," it added.

Advocate Prashant Padmanabhan, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the state government's affidavit did not spell out satisfactory reasons and the questions put forth by the apex court.

Padmanabhan said the top court had asked the state's counsel if the decision was taken after taking into account increase in Covid cases in Kerala but the affidavit did not answer that or whether experts had been consulted.

The bench, however, said the Kerala government had given convincing explanations.

The Kerala government in an affidavit had told the top court that online examinations would be a disadvantage for students with no access to laptops and mobile phones. PTI

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