New Delhi, Feb 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved orders on the petition filed by age-barred candidates seeking extra chance for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services exams 2021.

A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar was hearing a plea by several candidates who had appeared for their last attempt in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2020 held on October 4.

The candidates prayed for a direction to the Centre to provide them one extra attempt in addition to number of permissible attempts, in view of innumerable, inevitable circumstances suffered by them due to Covid-19 pandemic, which prevailed in the entire country during the crucial period of their preparation and even on the date of examination.

They also pointed out reasons such as Covid infection to family members, suffering trauma physical and mental, lack of minimal proper infrastructure to prepare for the examinations, loss of income making it difficult to even survive during the pandemic.

Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the candidates, argued, "It’s not that we are saying that “give us a job or give us a remuneration or something”. We’re only saying that give us one attempt which we lost in in 2020. The overwhelming circumstances of the pandemic which impacted society."

Counsel Dr Harsh Surana also argued on behalf of six candidates who had been allegedly disadvantaged as their interview had been conducted during the lockdown.

The UPSC had submitted before the bench that it's completely impossible to postpone the exam.

The bench directed Adv Naresh Kaushik, appearing on behalf of UPSC, to submit a note on the age-limits for lateral entry during the course of the day or by tomorrow.

Over 2000 candidates who appeared last year were age barred and will stand benefitted if an extra chance is provided to appear this year.

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