S.V.SINGRE GOWDA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is stated to be filed in public interest, questioning the Notification dated 5.2.2021 and Time Table issued by respondent No.3, vide Annexures-A and B, with regard to conducting SSLC exam for the Academic Year 2021, scheduled to be held on 19.7.2021 and 22.7.2021 and other incidental and ancillary reliefs.

(2.) According to the petitioner, Corona Virus-Covid-19 pandemic has led to issuance of the Notifications as per Annexures-A and B. Although the pandemic has already completed its first and second waves, there is grave apprehension that the third wave of the pandemic is expected in the near future, which would affect children in the age group of 1 to 15 years. It is contended that, conduct of the SSLC examination as per Notification dated 5.2.2021, and as per the Time Table dated 28.6.2021, issued by 3rd respondent, commencing from 19.7.2021 and concluding on 22.7.2021, is not in the interest of the students. It is further contended that the students are not in a position to appear in these examinations in the State on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is further stated that ICSE and CBSE examinations for 10th standard was cancelled by the Central Government and many State Governments have also cancelled State Board examinations. Hence, it is unnecessary and also dangerous to hold the examination in the State of Karnataka, as it would affect about nine lakh students including repeaters and expose them to a high risk of the virus. Therefore, petitioner has assailed Annexure-A being the Notification with regard to holding of 10th Standard examination and Annexure-B, which is the revised Time Table for the said examination.

(3.) We have heard learned counsel, Sri.R.P.Somashekharaiah, for the petitioner and learned Advocate General along with Additional Government Advocate, for the State and other Authorities, by way of assistance.