[BREAKING] ICAI cites dip in COVID cases, tells Supreme Court CA Exams 2021 scheduled for July should not be postponed

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has informed the Supreme Court that since there is a dip in the number of COVID-19 cases, it is in the best interest of students that Chartered Accountant (CA) exams are held as scheduled in July instead of postponing it for later. .In a brief note submitted before the top court late on Sunday night, the ICAI stated that whenever the risk is minimum, the Supreme Court has allowed examinations to be held as in the case of Class 12 exams for Bihar and Kerala State boards which were held in April 2021 and February 2021 respectively..ICAI also stated that since the COVID third wave will peak in September to October, it has this "narrow window of July, 2021 to conduct the examinations.".It was also pointed out that out of 3,74,230 candidates, as on June 27, more than 2,82,000 candidates have downloaded their admit cards, thus showing their eagerness to appear in the examinations..The ICAI also questioned the laxity of the petitioners in not attempting to get the petitions listed earlier despite the fact that exams are scheduled to commence from July 5. .It appears that no attempt was made to get the petitions listed before the Supreme Court even when the Court was hearing the cases regarding CBSE / State Board Class XII exams, the note said. .ICAI also opposed prayer in one of the petitions that if any candidates gets infected due to appearing in exams, ICAI should provide free medical treatment. ."It is neither possible nor practical," the institute said. .It was also pointed out that the CA exams were scheduled for May this year but it had to be postponed to July, 2021 due to spike in COVID cases. .The case is slated to be heard by the Supreme Court tomorrow after it was adjourned today on request by ICAI. A Bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Aniruddha Bose was informed by counsel for ICAI on Monday that it has circulated a note and sought deferment of hearing till tomorrow.Senior Advocate Ramji Srinivasan, appearing for ICAI, also said that the body is aware of the urgency in the matter.The Court then agreed to hear the matter tomorrow..The top court is seized of three separate petitions relating to the upcoming CA exams. .The plea by Anubha Srivastava Sahai assailed a June 5 notification issued by the ICAI on the ground that it does not give students the choice to opt out before and during the exams and to carry forward all the benefits.The plea also prayed for an extra attempt to be given to the candidates who are appearing for the intermediate and final exams under the old syllabus..The plea further sought postponement of the scheduled CA exams from July 6 to any later period when the COVID-19 situation normalizes, or until after teachers, students and invigilators are vaccinated.This prayer was made on the ground that adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and vaccination is not possible..The lead petition by Sathya Nayaran Perumal sought directions to the ICAI to allow an additional attempt to any candidate who fails to appear in the July 2021 exam due to COVID situation. This petitioner, however, made it clear he is not seeking any postponement, cancellation or deferment of exams slotted for July 2021.Another plea filed by one Amit Jain is also pending before the apex court.Apart from these petitions, over 6,000 students had written a letter to Chief Justice of India NV Ramana flagging three major concerns with regard to the proposed examination.The following three concerns were raised in the letter:- No Opt-Out Option has been provided to the students;- No Extension Of Old Course Attempts;No Additional attempt for the students who are unable to appear due to COVID-19..[Read ICAI Note]