In Brief
The Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking postponement of UPSC's Civil Services Examination scheduled for October 4, 2020, citing COVID-19 hardships. The Court found that petitioners failed to provide specific evidence of handicaps—front-line workers hadn't sought preparatory leave, transport unavailability was unsubstantiated, and online study materials countered library closures. The Court upheld the examination's schedule, directing UPSC and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure proper logistical arrangements, medical compliance, and separate seating for symptomatic candidates. Age-barred candidates were to be considered for one additional attempt through policy. The petition was disposed accordingly.", "summary_100_refined">"The Supreme Court rejected a plea to postpone UPSC's Civil Services Examination (scheduled October 4, 2020) due to COVID-19 pandemic constraints. The petitioners failed to substantiate specific hardships: front-line workers hadn't sought preparatory leave from employers; transport facility gaps across 72 centers remained unproven (over 60,000 candidates had successfully changed centers); and online materials mitigated library closures. COVID-19 positive patients could not sit separately as isolation rules prevented disease transmission. The Court directed UPSC and MHA to ensure logistical support, medical protocol compliance, separate seating for symptomatic candidates, and explore extending attempts for age-barred candidates. The petition was disposed."
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