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The Supreme Court has today dismissed a petition challenging Kerala Government's notification allowing to conduct examinations for standard XI students, over concerns regarding the outbreak of Covid-19.

A three judges bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice CT Ravikumar dismissing the petition, said, "We trust the authorities."

The plea has been filed challenging the order of the Kerala High Court upholding the decision of the government over conducting standard XI examinations.

Upholding the government's decision the Kerala High Court had noted, "Even though petitioner has stated that the Government have scheduled the examinations unmindful of the prevailing situations due to COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to agree with the same since it is clearly specified in the circular that it is only to equip the students to participate in the Board exams that the Model examinations are conducted."

The High Court had further noted, "It is also significant to note that the Central and the State Governments have issued timely guidelines under the Disaster Management Act and the Kerala Epidemics Act, 2021 to deal with the safety precautions. Viewed in that manner, it cannot be said that there is any laches or serious lapses on the part of the Government in the matter of scheduling the examinations, both Model and Board."

Earlier, the Supreme Court had stayed the examination seeking an answer from the government on whether they have taken into account the alarming increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Kerala. 

The government had informed the court that the examinations will be conducted in strict compliance with the protocols notified regarding Covid-19 while further mentioning that many entrance examinations were conducted successfully.

Thus, the bench satisfied with the affidavit filed by the government, said that the government will take precautions and steps and allowed the conduct of examinations.

Case Title: Rasoolshan A Vs. The Additional Chief Secretary and Ors.