Delhi High Court: A PIL was filed seeking issuance of directions to the Respondents to make adequate arrangements for tribal candidates from the hill districts in Manipur to enable them to take the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 and Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 (“CSE — Preliminary”). The petition is also seeking issuance of directions to the Respondents to set up examination centres at Churachandpur and Kangpokpi in the hill districts of Manipur and reopening of application portal/correction window to enable the candidates to opt for a centre of their choice. A Division Bench of Manmohan, ACJ., and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, J., accepted the assurances and undertakings provided by both the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the State of Manipur and held them bound by their commitments to facilitate the examination process for candidates from Manipur’s hill districts.
A public interest petition was filed urging the Court to direct the authorities to make adequate arrangements for tribal candidates from hill districts in Manipur to take the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 and Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 (“CSE — Preliminary”). The petitioner federation also sought the setting up of examination centers at Churachandpur and Kangpokpi in Manipur’s hill districts and reopening the application portal/correction window for candidates to choose their preferred center.
Following the filing of the petition, several orders were issued by the Court. In response, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) stated its inability to open examination centers at Churachandpur and Kangpokpi due to the Government of Manipur’s expressed limitations
Counsel for the Commission presented an affidavit stating the unfeasibility of opening examination venues in Churachandpur and Kongpokpi districts. However, alternative examination centers were offered for candidates from the hill districts of Manipur. Furthermore, candidates were allowed to change their examination centers within a specified timeframe. Counsel for State provided assurances of financial assistance for transportation, accommodation, and meals for candidates appearing for the examinations.
The Court acknowledged the submissions made by both parties and noted the logistical challenges highlighted by the Commission regarding the opening of examination centers in specific districts of Manipur. However, it appreciated the alternative options provided to candidates from the hill districts. The Court also recognized the proactive measures taken by the State of Manipur to facilitate candidates’ transportation, accommodation, and other essential needs and deemed these measures as crucial in ensuring equal opportunities for candidates from remote areas.
The measures extended by the State of Manipur are as follows:
-
Financial assistance in the form of reimbursement of transportation expenses from district headquarters to the examination center, limited to the maximum of 2nd class sleeper railway fare rates or notified bus fare rate of the State, whichever is applicable.
-
Provision for food and accommodation at a rate of Rs. 1000/- per day for a maximum of three days.
-
Arrangements for facilitating transportation within the district through the Deputy Commissioner concerned.
The Court accepted the assurances and undertakings presented by the Commission and the State of Manipur and held them bound by their commitments to facilitate the examination process for candidates from Manipur’s hill districts. Consequently, the writ petition was disposed of, with the petitioner federation retaining the right to approach the Court for any necessary variations, modifications, or clarifications to the order.
[Zomi Students Federation v. Union Public Service Commission, 2024 SCC OnLine Del 2153, decided on 28-03-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
Mohd. Nizamuddin Pasha (Through VC) with Mr. Sidharth Kaushik, Mr. John Simte, Ms. Aaayushi Mishra and Mr. Rum Hang Thang Shoute, Advocates for petitioner
Mr. Ravinder Agarwal and Mr. Lekh Raj Singh, Advocates for R-1/UPSC
Mr. Apoorv Kurup, CGSC with Mr. Gurjas Singh Narual, Ms. Nidhi Mittal, Mr. Akhil Hasija, Ms. Gauri Goburdhan and Ms. Aanchal Dubey, Advocates for R-2/UOI
Mr. Pukhrambam Ramesh Kumar with Mr. Piyush Beriwal and Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chaubey, Advocates for R-3/State of Manipur.