After the cancellation of the physical examination, the Supreme Court ordered state boards to notify their respective evaluation methodologies for Class 12 students within 10 days, and to declare results by July 31.
In its order, the top court said: “In addition, the Scheme must provide for a proper mechanism for redressal of dispute or grievances of the students after declaration of results, as has been done in the case of CBSE and ICSE Boards.”
A bench comprising Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari said: “We direct all the State Boards to ensure that the Schemes are formulated and notified at the earliest and not later than 10 days from today and also declare the results of internal assessment by July 31, which is the time-line specified for CBSE and ICSE.”
The top court was hearing a PIL filed by advocate Anubha Sahai Shrivastava seeking cancellation of state board examinations in the backdrop of Covid situation. Only, Andhra Pradesh government is emphasizing on conducting physical exams for Class 12 students. The top court has favoured internal assessment scheme over holding physical exams.
Attorney General K.K. Venugopal, representing the Centre, told a bench headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar that all boards are autonomous bodies, and are empowered to formulate their schemes in connection with the assessment of Class 12 students. He told the top court that the life of each student is protected by Article 21 of the Constitution, and it is not safe or prudent to have a written exam amid the ongoing pandemic.
