A petition filed by a group of CA aspirants at the Supreme Court with respect to the violations by the ICAI and its approach about conducting the CA exam, was adjourned to be heard next month, on November 2nd.
Advocates Bansuri Swaraj and Astha Sharma, appearing for the petitioners put forth that proper and appropriate measures are not being taken by ICAI considering that the exams are to start in less than a month. The dates of the exams are between November 21st and December 14th, 2020. The petitioners submitted that even though the exam is at peak, no serious steps have been taken so far to ensure the safety of the aspirants. Further stating that the concerned authority is not complying with the Standard of Procedure laid down by the Centre.
They suggested that adequate measures should be taken and those concerned must be prepared to deal and handle the scene swiftly without endangering the lives. Examination conducting authorities should isolate themselves, health centres in the proximity to exam centres must be ready to cater, if need be and preparing an action-plan if the cases rise. They also suggested that accommodation and transport facilities be eased to the aspirants and to increase the time allotted for the exams. Bring up solutions for those coming from containment zones and increase the number of centres conducting the exam.
The petitioners urged that since the aspirants have put much efforts and any inconsistency or discrepancy would amount to infringement of Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, their fundamental right.
The bench led by Hon’ble Justice AM Khanwilkar asked the petitioners to furnish the copies to the ICAI and the Central Government and adjourned the matter to be heard on November 2nd, next month.
