YADUNANDAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The captioned writ petitions are materially connected in respect of a communication dated 29/6/2021 issued by the Additional Secretary to State Government, General Education Department, to the Director, Public Education Department, Thiruvananthapuram informing that the State Government have decided not to award grace marks for the general examinations in the academic year 2020-2021 for the S.S.L.C & Plus Two examinations, to the students participated in extracurricular activities through Scouts and Guides, Student Police Cadet, National Cadet Corps, Junior Red Cross and National Service Scheme. We are of the opinion that though a common question arises for consideration, in order to avoid any confusion the reliefs sought for in the writ petitions are briefly narrated.

(2.) W.P.(C) No.13820/2021 is a Public Interest Litigation filed by Kerala Students' Union, a students' organisation said to be formed for upholding and protecting the rights of the students, seeking direction to the State and the Education Department to continue with the policy of awarding of grace marks for S.S.L.C and Plus Two examinations in the academic year 2020-2021.

(3.) W.P.(C)No.13396/2021 is filed by a minor student seeking a writ of mandamus to call for the records leading to Exhibit P2 Government Communication dated 29/6/2021 withdrawing the grace marks and seeking direction to the State and its officials to declare that the students who have participated in the extra curricular activities specified above cannot be deprived of grace marks in S.S.L.C or Plus Two since they have actively participated in COVID prevention works during the year 2020-2021.