'You can't keep filing petitions': SC dismisses plea seeking extra attempt in UPSC CSE 2023

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking extra attempt and age relaxation in the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) 2023 exam by candidates affected by Covid-19.

Justice Rastogi J observed, “Our order will not come in the way of the govt allowing a compensatory attempt as a matter of policy. But, when you want judicial scrutiny, we will have to draw a line somewhere.” The petitioners’ counsel said that correct facts were not provided at that time to which the judge responded that there cannot be a review of that order. “ When the court has pronounced a judgement, you cannot keep filing petitions,” the court said while hearing the plea.

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Senior advocate, Gopal Sankaranarayan, appearing for the petitioners, sought two minutes for the UPSC CSE 2023 aspirants. The CJ gave an example of one of his clients who was an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer studied at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, got a job and went to United States (US) and said that there are other options for the students who have missed the chance to appear for the civil services exam. The advocate pointed this out as a loss of “brilliant mind”. Sankaranarayan further said, “ The only thing they want is another attempt. They are barred by age.”

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In July 20, MoS in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and in Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh told Lok Sabha that no extra attempt will be given to such candidates.

In March 2022, the apex court asked the Centre to consider the representation of aspirants seeking an additional attempt, in light of the recommendation made in a recent parliamentary committee report. The Centre had told the apex court that an extra attempt is “not possible”.