New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has declined to stay the call for applications for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Mains examination, dismissing a petition seeking to postpone the exam due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The decision comes as a relief to thousands of aspirants who have been preparing diligently for the prestigious examination.
The petition, filed by a group of aspirants, argued that conducting the UPSC Mains examination amidst the pandemic posed a significant health risk and urged the court to intervene and postpone the exam. The petitioners contended that holding the exam in the current circumstances would compromise the safety and well-being of candidates.
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However, the Delhi High Court rejected the plea, stating that the UPSC was a constitutional body entrusted with the responsibility of conducting examinations and that the decision to proceed with the Mains examination rested with the Commission. The court emphasized that it was not inclined to interfere in matters of policy decisions made by expert bodies unless there was a clear violation of statutory provisions or constitutional rights.
Justice Anuradha Sharma, while delivering the judgment, stated, "The decision to conduct the UPSC Mains examination is within the purview of the Commission, which possesses the expertise to evaluate the prevailing situation and take necessary precautions. As a court, we must respect the domain of the Commission and refrain from interfering in their policy decisions."
The court also noted the efforts made by the UPSC in ensuring the safety of candidates during the examination process. The Commission had implemented various precautionary measures, such as mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitization protocols, to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
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The UPSC Mains examination is a crucial step in the selection process for various prestigious civil services positions in India. It consists of written tests and interviews that assess candidates' knowledge, analytical abilities, and decision-making skills. The examination is highly competitive, and aspirants invest considerable time and effort to prepare for it.
Reacting to the court's decision, many aspirants expressed relief and reaffirmed their commitment to appearing for the examination. They acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic but believed that the UPSC had taken adequate measures to ensure a safe and fair examination process.
Rajesh Kumar, an aspirant preparing for the UPSC Mains examination, stated, "While the pandemic has undoubtedly brought unprecedented challenges, I believe that the UPSC has made necessary arrangements to protect candidates' health. Postponing the exam would only prolong the uncertainty and delay our career aspirations. I am ready to take the exam and give it my best."
The decision of the Delhi High Court has brought clarity and certainty to the upcoming UPSC Mains examination. It reinforces the autonomy and authority of the Commission in making decisions related to the conduct of examinations.
The UPSC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and has assured candidates that all necessary precautions will be in place during the examination. The Commission continues to monitor the situation closely and adapt its procedures in line with the evolving circumstances.
As the UPSC Mains examination proceeds as scheduled, candidates across the country are diligently preparing, aware of the immense opportunities that success in the examination can bring. The resilience and determination of aspirants, coupled with the rigorous evaluation process of the UPSC, will shape the future of India's civil services.
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About the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): The Union Public Service Commission is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting individuals to various civil services and posts within the Government of India. Established in 1926, the UPSC conducts prestigious examinations, including the Civil Services Examination, to select candidates for positions such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Police Service. The UPSC plays a crucial role in shaping the administrative framework of the country.