KERALA CLASS XI EXAMS STAYED

Says state cannot expose kids to Covid-19 with offline tests as situation is alarming

New Delhi, Sept. 3: The SC stayed for a week Kerala’s decision to conduct offline exams for Class XI commencing from September 6.

New Delhi, Sept. 3: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed for a week Kerala government’s decision to conduct offline exams for Class XI commencing from September 6 amid the rising cases of Covid saying “there is an alarming situation in the state.”

The top court observed that “cases in Kerala are about 70 per cent cases of the country and children of this age cannot be exposed to this risk.”

“Prima facie we find force in submission made by petitioner that the state government has not seriously considered the prevailing situation before having a physical exam proposed to be conducted in September this year.

“As we couldn’t get a satisfactory response from counsel for the state in this regard, we grant interim relief staying the offline exam till next date of hearing,” said a bench of Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, Hrishikesh Roy and C.T. Ravikumar.

The apex court posted the matter for next hearing on September 13.

Advocate Prashant Padmanabhan, appearing for the petitioner, argued that compelling minor unvaccinated students of class XI to take part in a public examination amid the possible third wave of pandemic in Kerala is “unjust, unfair and unreasonable”.

The Kerala High Court on August 27 had observed that conducting examination was a matter of government policy and no interference was warranted.

“I find it difficult to appreciate the contention of the petitioners that the decision to conduct the exams was taken by the respondents without much deliberation and without any concern for the health of the students.” the single judge had said.

The apex court bench passed the order on an appeal filed by advocate Rasoolshan A challenging a decision of the High Court refusing to interfere with the decision to hold offline exams.