Libertatem Magazine

State Govt To Bombay High Court: Due To Covid-19 Situation ICSE Board Cannot Conduct Exams

Contents of this Page

The Government of Maharashtra informed the Bombay High Court about ICSE Board exams, that holding the exams is not possible in the State. The reason is due to the current situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brief Facts of the Case 

Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice SS Shinde heard the case. The Division bench heard case via video conferencing public interest litigation. Advocate Arvind Tiwari, who is also a father of a class X student, filed this PIL. He sought directions for cancellation of the remaining ICSE and ISC board exams. ICSE and ISC board Exams are scheduled to be held from July 2. The exams were to be held all over Maharashtra which is difficult to hold. He, further, asked to declare the results on the basis of gradation and past performance.

Issues & Arguments

The decision was held in a State Disaster Management Committee meeting. Advocate General AA Kumbhakoni informed the Court about the meeting’s decision. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray chaired the meeting. A same decision to not conduct the University exam for final year students held at the same meeting.

Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department Vandana Krishna informed Advocate General about the decision. It was said that the decision to not allow final year University students to take exams was correct. The letter added that the said information must pass to the High Court. Regarding the status of CBSE Exams the Bench was aware that the matter is pending before the Court.

Earlier, CISCE Board informed the High Court that students of class 10 and 12 have the option to not appear in the remaining board exams of ICSE. Through this they had they option to have the result completed on the basis of marks obtained in pre-board examinations. The marks of internal assessment can also be considered for result evaluation. The marks awarded in the papers which he/she already wrote before the lockdown can also be criteria.

Senior Advocate Darius Khambatta appeared on behalf of CISCE. It was contended that apart from physical appearance to write the examinations, there are other options too. The decision also gives an option to an examinee to have his/her result completed. The result would be on the basis of marks obtained at the pre-Board examination. The marks can also be awarded as per marks of internal assessment. And also upon taking into account the marks awarded to the student in the papers which he/she has already written.

Court’s Decision

The bench had adjourned the matter and will take a decision soon.


Libertatem.in is now on Telegram. Follow us for regular legal updates and judgements from the court. Follow us on Google News, InstagramLinkedInFacebook & Twitter. You can also subscribe for our Weekly Email Updates. You can also contribute stories like this and help us spread awareness for a better society. Submit Your Post Now.

About the Author