New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a plea of UPSC Civil Services aspirants for an one-time extra change and age relaxation in 2021 examination whose previous chance last year was hampered by Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have dismissed the writ petition,” an Apex Court bench, headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar stated.

The government had told the court that it was against granting the one-time relaxation as it will be unfair to other aspirants.

It also mentioned that Covid-19 pandemic had affected all and granting a relaxation could invite many more requests from other aspirants for similar reliefs.

Advocate Anushree Prashit Kapadia, representing the petitioners, a group of 100 aspirants, contended that it would be unfair if one-time relaxation was not provided to those who either exhausted all attempts or crossed the maximum age bar as their preparation was affected by the crisis induced from the pandemic.

As per rules, a general category student can take the examination maximum six times or till 32 years of age, whichever is earliest. There is attempt and age relaxation for the reserved category students.

Last year, due to the pandemic, the preliminary test of the annual examination was postponed from June to October while the written test from October to January 2021.

There were many twists and turns in the hearing of the petition as the government first told the court it is against the relaxation, then reversed its stand and at last stood by first one.

The court had also earlier asked the government to not be "rigid" in deciding the matter.

The notification of the 2021 examination, which was slated to be released earlier this month, has been stayed due to the court case.

As per the yearly calendar, the preliminary examination is marked in June while mains in September.

UNI PS SHK1719