Karnataka HC hears pleas challenging conduct of Karnataka CET amid COVID-19 [LIVE UPDATES]
Three PILs have challenged Karnataka Examinations Authority's decision to conduct the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bar & Bench
The Matter is being heard by a Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Sandesh. 3 Petitions were filed against the conduct of CET during the pandemic: 1) Group of Students and NSUI 2) Adv Pradeep 3) Adv Abdullah Mannan Khan
Hearing begins.
Bench: When was the decision announced by the Govt to conduct KCET? Did you approach the Govt with a representation?
Bench: Did you approach the Authority who conducts the examination? Is it not the requirement of law?
Petioner's Advocate Abdulla Manan: On the contrary, many students don't want to give the exams right now.
Bench to State: How can students in containment zones give exams? They cannot step out, there are 6,000 containment zones. Please tell us that.
AAG Dhyan Chinnappa: They will be placed in separate rooms.
Bench: Will you have exam centers in Containment Zones?
AAG Chinnappa: No, Milord.
Bench: This is not an SSLC exam where exam will be conducted later on.
Bench to Petitioners: Your petition is not maintainable. You have not gone to the Authorities.
Bench to State Govt: You must take a call today itself. This is not an SSLC exam. Students in containment zones cannot even step out ...
Bench passes order.
Court's ORDER: It is true that petitioners have approached the Court very late. But considering the drastic rise in covid-19 cases, the State Government has to immediately reconsider its decision of conducting KCET exam. There is a possibility of students missing out on the exam.
State Government to place its decision on record tomorrow (July 29), 2:30 pm. Court also expresses hope that the State would look into the issues seriously.