The Supreme Court bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari today directed the states to declare results of all board exams – those being decided by averaging earlier performances – by end July. The court also made clear that there should be uniformity required in CBSE, ICSE assessments.
The bench was hearing heard a plea by child rights activist Anubha Shrivastava Sahai, seeking directions for cancellation of physical exams for Class XII of State Boards, HSC, and NIOS. The plea had also sought directions for the constitution of a committee for assessment.
During hearing advocate, Shashibhushan emphasized the need for every board to have a uniform scheme for assessment.
To that, the court said: “We cannot pass such directions. There cannot be a uniform scheme for all of India. There are experts who have devised the method. That’s for every board to decide and we are not going to pass any directions for uniform assessment.”
Advocate Nazki, appearing for the state of AP, clarified before the court that the state was not canceling its exams. He clarified that the exams will be held in the last week of July.
To that, the court asked a pertinent question: “But then, we don’t know what the condition would be. Admissions will not wait for all the universities based on your results.
“NIOS has cancelled exams and is in the process to formulate a scheme. We direct that scheme is formulated and notified not later than 10 days from today and also declare the results by July 31, 2021 in reference to our order in CBSE and ICSE matter,” said the court.
Referring to advocate G Prakash, the court said: “Students will be under pressure to prepare for exams for class 11, while they’ll be attending class 12. Will it be possible for you to give a timeline within which the state will conduct class 11 exam?”
Prakash said: “Yes, we’ll give them time. I’ll take instructions on the aspect.”
The court said: “We won’t take a decision on the Kerala matter. We’ll ask the high court to take decision on that. We’re concerned with the class 12 students. We’ll have it tomorrow.”
Dr. Monika Gusain, for the State of Haryana, said: “I want the court to direct for a uniform formula for assessment.”
The court said: “A uniform formula is not possible.” Dr. Gusain said: “Yes, I want these words to be said in the order.”
Source: ILNS