Case title: ZOMI STUDENTS FEDERATION VS. UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION & ORS
Case no: W.P.(C) 3805/2024
Order on: 28 March, 2024
Quorum: HON’BLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MANMOHAN WITH HON’BLE MS. JUSTICE MANMEET PRITAM SINGH ARORA
Fact of the case:
In this writ petition, The Zomi Students Federation filed a public interest petition seeking directions for adequate arrangements to be made for tribal candidates from the hill districts of Manipur to take the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024, and the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2024. They requested the establishment of examination centres in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, and the reopening of the application portal to allow candidates to choose a convenient examination centre. In response, the UPSC stated that it was not feasible to open new centres in these districts due to logistical constraints. Instead, they offered alternative centres in nearby states and assured that requests for changing centres would be accommodated. The State of Manipur assured financial and logistical support for candidates traveling to these alternative centres.
Legal provisions:
Article 14: Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to education and equal opportunities in public employment.
Contentions of Appellant:
The petitioner, Zomi Students Federation, contended that the respondents should make adequate arrangements for tribal candidates from the hill districts of Manipur to take the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024, and the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2024. The petitioner requested the establishment of examination centres in the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi to ensure candidates do not have to travel long distances, which imposes additional burdens. The petitioner argued that the application portal/correction window should be reopened to allow candidates from these remote districts to choose a convenient examination centre, reducing their logistical challenges. The petitioner emphasized the need for equitable access to examination facilities for candidates from remote and tribal areas to ensure fair competition and equal opportunity.
Contentions of Respondents:
The UPSC, through its affidavit, stated that the Government of Manipur expressed its inability to open examination centres in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi due to logistical and administrative challenges, making it unfeasible for the UPSC to set up these centres. UPSC provided a list of alternative examination centres closer to the hill districts, including Aizawal, Kohima, Shillong, Dispur, Jorhat, Kolkata, and Delhi. The UPSC assured that requests for changing examination centres from candidates currently opting for Imphal would be accommodated. The State of Manipur, through a letter from the Chief Secretary, assured financial assistance for transportation, food, and accommodation for candidates traveling to the examination centres. They also promised transportation within the districts and other necessary logistical support. Both UPSC and the State of Manipur highlighted the administrative constraints and practical difficulties in establishing new examination centres in the specified districts on short notice.
Court Analysis & Judgement:
The Court considered the affidavit submitted by UPSC, which stated that the Government of Manipur was unable to establish examination centres in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi due to logistical challenges. Hereafter, UPSC found it unfeasible to operate examination venues in these districts. The Court recorded and accepted the assurances provided by UPSC and the State of Manipur, which included accommodating centre change requests and providing financial and logistical support to candidates. The Court held the respondents bound by their assurances and undertakings to facilitate the candidates’ access to the examination centres. The Court disposed of the petition, allowing the petitioner the liberty to approach the Court for any variations, modifications, or clarifications if needed in the future.
“PRIME LEGAL is a full-service law firm that has won a National Award and has more than 20 years of experience in an array of sectors and practice areas. Prime legal fall into a category of best law firm, best lawyer, best family lawyer, best divorce lawyer, best divorce law firm, best criminal lawyer, best criminal law firm, best consumer lawyer, best civil lawyer.”
Judgement Reviewed By- Antara Ghosh
