According to UPSC, the case cannot be maintained in front of the High Court by 17 candidates who claim that the decision to provide the answer key after the announcement of the final results violates the norms of natural justice.

Introduction

In a recent development, the High Court has sought objections from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) regarding a plea that seeks the release of the answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The plea has been filed by a group of aspirants who appeared for the examination and are seeking transparency in the evaluation process. This article explores the details of the plea and the response from the court and UPSC.

Concerns Raised by Aspirants

The Civil Services Preliminary Examination is a highly competitive exam conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for various administrative positions in the government. Lakhs of aspirants across the country appear for this exam every year. However, one of the major concerns raised by the aspirants is the lack of transparency in the evaluation process.

Plea for Answer Key

The group of aspirants who filed the plea has requested the court to direct the UPSC to release the answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. They believe that the release of the answer key will bring more transparency to the evaluation process and help in assessing the accuracy of the evaluation. This, they argue, will provide a fair opportunity for candidates to understand their performance and evaluate their chances of qualifying for the next stage of the examination.

High Court’s Response

Upon receiving the plea, the High Court has sought objections from the UPSC regarding the release of the answer key. The court has asked the UPSC to present their arguments and objections to the plea.

UPSC’s Stand

The UPSC, on its part, has not yet responded to the plea. However, it is expected that the commission will present its objections and arguments against the release of the answer key. The UPSC has traditionally been cautious about making answer keys public before the completion of the entire examination process. They believe that premature release of the answer key may lead to unnecessary speculations and controversies.

Transparency vs. Confidentiality

The issue of releasing the answer key for competitive examinations has always been a matter of debate. Although transparency is crucial for ensuring fairness in the evaluation process, it is equally important to maintain the confidentiality of question papers and answer keys to prevent any malpractices or unfair advantages. Striking a balance between these two aspects is crucial to uphold the integrity of the examination.

Previous Instances

In the past, there have been instances where courts have directed the UPSC to release the answer key for civil services examinations. However, the circumstances and outcomes of those cases differ, making it difficult to predict the outcome of the current plea. The court will carefully consider the arguments presented by both sides before arriving at a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the response from the High Court regarding the plea?

Ans: The High Court has sought objections from the UPSC and is considering the concerns raised by the aspirants.

Q: Why is the UPSC cautious about releasing the answer key?

Ans: The UPSC believes that premature release may lead to speculations and controversies.

Q: How important is maintaining the confidentiality of question papers and answer keys?

Ans: Confidentiality is crucial to prevent malpractices and unfair advantages in the examination process.

Q: Have there been previous instances where courts directed the release of answer keys?

Ans: Yes, there have been such instances, but the outcomes varied, making it difficult to predict the current plea’s outcome.

Q: What factors will the court consider before making a decision?

Ans: The court will consider the arguments presented by both sides to arrive at a decision.

Conclusion

The plea seeking the release of the answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination has brought the issue of transparency in the evaluation process into the spotlight. The High Court’s decision to seek objections from the UPSC indicates a willingness to address the concerns raised by the aspirants. While it is essential to ensure transparency, maintaining the confidentiality of question papers and answer keys is equally important.