SC asks states to notify assessment scheme for Class 12 exams within 10 days

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed all state boards to notify the scheme for assessment of Class XII students within 10 days and to declare the results by July 31.

A vacation bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari noted that all state boards, except that of Andhra Pradesh and NIOS, have already cancelled their class XII examinations.

The top court also clarified that there cannot be uniform criteria for evaluating different state boards.

Read: Delta variant now reported in 85 countries globally, expected to become dominant lineage, says WHO

During the hearing, a counsel asked the court to ensure uniform formula for assessing students by all boards.

To this, the bench said, "we cannot pass such directions. There cannot be uniform scheme. That is for every board to decide. There are experts who have devised the scheme."

Andhra Pradesh counsel Mehfooz Nazki maintained that the state is going to conduct examinations for Class XII in the last week of July.

On this, the court sought to know how the state is going to ensure adherence to Covid protocol and how it would arrange over 34,000 rooms for allowing just 15 students in one room.

"We are not very convinced about this. How can we permit you to put life of students at risk? You have to put before us proper firm decision," the bench said, seeking a well-defined formulated plan.

The court stressed the need for ventilated rooms and proper support staff and transportation.

"We hope third wave does not happen. But if that happens, are you going to risk the health of students?" the court asked putting the matter for consideration on Friday.

It also sought a complete timeline and provision for some compensation in case of fatality.

The court, meanwhile, declined to consider a plea against Kerala's decision to conduct Class XI examinations, saying students can approach the High Court with their petition.