UPSC Civil Services Exam: Delhi HC notice on plea seeking unlimited attempts for PwD

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Centre and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on plea seeking unlimited attempts for Persons with Disability (PwD) category candidates in the civil services exam, Live Law reported.

The petition also sought age relaxation up to 47 years to all categories of PwD irrespective of their reservation in vertical category in the UPSC civil services exam. The age limit for these candidates is 42 years now.

The report further said, “The petitioner, Evara Foundation, has sought implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment in Aryan Raj vs. Chandigarh Administration & Ors. where the apex court confirmed that persons with disabilities are also socially backward, hence, are entitled to the same benefits of relaxation as Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe candidates in public employment and education.”

The petition highlighted that against 712 advertised vacancies, the UPSC has reserved only 22 seats for PwD category whereas 4% reservation would amount to 29 seats.

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On November 2, the UPSC prelims result 2021 name list was declared in online mode on the official website - upsc.gov.in. A total number of 9,214 candidates have qualified for the mains examination of UPSC IAS 2021.

As per the Live Law report, Advocate Pankaj Sinha for the Petitioner said, “The UPSC prelims examination is already conducted and at least 91 PwD category candidates will be at loss if the mains examination are not stayed. However, the bench was not inclined to grant interim relief.”