CA exam 2021: SC asks ICAI to consider 'opt out option', final hearing tomorrow

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today said that it has listed the matter relating to the postponement/opt-out option for the ICAI CA exams tomorrow. The ICAI CA July 2021 exams are scheduled for July 5, 2021, to be held in offline, test-centre mode.

The court has, however, suggested the ICAI relax the conditions of the RT-PCR certificate for appearing in the exam. According to Live Law, the court observed that the effects of COVID-19 can be long lasting, so, a mere negative result may not reflect the fitness of the candidate for appearing in the exam.

Bench: We have taken note of the submissions taken. File a note with your points during the course of the day. We will take it tomorrow. Address the situation about in which circumstances opting out scheme can be granted.

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) June 29, 2021

Meanwhile, CCM of ICAI, Dhiraj Khandelwal requested candidates to prepare for the exam as per the schedule.

Request all students to have focus on study and exams are on as per schedule only . https://t.co/TlmMIsw7XD

— DHIRAJ KHANDELWAL (@kdhiraj123) June 29, 2021

The plea filed by Sathya Nayaran Perumal seeks postponement of the exam to the next date, an opt-out option and an additional attempt for those who fail to appear in the current session.

The ICAI has earlier opposed the CA exam postponement and had argued that the COVID-19 cases are now considerably fewer, so, it is the most suitable time to conduct the exams. The admit card of the ICAI CA exam has been released on June 21 at icai.org.

Meanwhile, the students took Twitter to express their displeasure with the ICAI’s stand over the issue and requested to postpone the exam or provide an opt-out option for all students in addition to an extra attempt for old syllabus students.

A Twitter user, Ajay Singh Rathor expressed his concern over the offline based exams as requested for an opt out option for all.

#caexams ICAI should provide opt out option to all. Students are in very much stress. In this difficult time how can they force Students.

— Ajay Singh Rathore (@ajaysinghbagar) June 29, 2021

The court has suggested ICAI relax RT PCR conditions, and consider the opt-out option. This means, the exam is unlikely to be postponed.

Guys read this and see what ICAI need to put in note.
Last moment exam centre change window then alternate or opt out, rtpcr, balance paper. Read what they suppose to give...
the problem is with most of students, postponement and vaccination which I said SC won't interfere https://t.co/DpBs2YJNDw

— CA Amit Jain (@ajain_aca) June 29, 2021

Supreme Court says will not postpone CA exam 2021; will pass order tomorrow on granting opt-out after ICAI agrees to give second chance#caexams #ICAICAExam

— Vani Mehrotra (India TV) (@vani_mehrotra) June 29, 2021

A user, CA Vibhanshu Shekhar argued that the West Bengal lockdown has been extended till July 15, so, it won't be conducive to hold the examination.

WB Govt has extended lock down till 15th July. No metro, no local trains, bus is running at 50 % capacity, cabs are charging exorbitant fare.. So is this the situation is conducive for conducting exams?? I don't think so.. @theicai @JambusariaNihar @MamataOfficial#caexams

— CA Vibhanshu Shekhar (@Vibhans28470260) June 29, 2021

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