Kriti Agrawal –
The Supreme Court grilled the Andhra Pradesh government on its decision to hold a physical exam for Class 12 students in the last week of July.
The Vacation Bench comprising Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari dismissed the state government’s affidavit, which stated that covid safety protocols will be followed by ensuring that only 15 students are present in a hall.
Bench inquired, “How are you going to arrange for over 28,000 rooms with 15 students per hall? Do you have a formula for that? You will require over 35,000 rooms if it is 15 students per hall? Do you have that many rooms?”
The Court stated that the pandemic scenario is extremely unpredictable, and that no one can foresee what will happen during the last week of July. Experts’ concerns regarding a possible third wave and the delta strain of coronavirus were raised by the bench.
The Judges also pointed out that the State Government was placing students in jeopardy by failing to establish a clear timeline for exams and outcomes.
The panel further stated that if the state board insists on scheduling exams in the last week of July, college admissions for Andhra State Board students will be delayed. And if anyone dies as a result of covid, the state will be held liable.
Justice Khanwilkar said, “Are you going to risk students’ life? Why not make a decision right now?”
In view of the Court’s findings, the state counsel has been asked to seek directions from the state government on the conduct of tests.
The case will be heard again at 2 p.m. tomorrow. The state’s counsel has been instructed to present to the Court the file recordings pertaining to the judgment.
The state counsel was also asked if there is a contingency strategy in place if the pandemic scenario worsened during the anticipated tests.
The Bench stated that the government must have a 360-degree view of the situation and be prepared to deal with any eventuality.