New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging Kerala government's decision to hold physical exam for Class 11.
A bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and C T Ravikumar said a detailed affidavit has been filed and they are taking all measures related to the coronavirus protocol.
The top court said holistic approach has to be taken in the matter and the authorities are conscious of their duties.
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"We are convinced by the explanation offered by the state and trust authorities will take all precautions and necessary steps so that no untoward situation is faced by students who are of tender age and appearing for the proposed examination. Dismissed," the bench said.
The apex court said it had intervened on the earlier occasion as there was a possibility of third wave of corona by September.
"Third wave is not in offing immediately," the bench said.
Education Minister V Sivankutty has assured that the exams will be conducted without causing much trouble to the students and following Covid protocols.
Regarding the reopening of schools, Sivankutty said that a decision will be taken after consultation with the chief minister.
The apex court had on September 3 stayed for a week Kerala government's decision to conduct offline exams for Class XI commencing from September 6 amid the rising cases of COVID saying "there is an alarming situation in the state".
Online exams are impossible as many students lack the infrastructure, the state had informed the court.
The Kerala government counsel had claimed that all necessary safety protocols were in place for the conduct of the exams. He also referred to previous instances -- SSLC and plus-two exams in April and the entrance examinations in July -- wherein offline exams were held during the pandemic.