New Delhi, 8 April 2024: In a decision that upholds the scheduled CA examination dates, the Delhi High Court has rejected a petition seeking the rescheduling of the Chartered Accountant (CA) intermediate and final examinations for 2024.
The petition was filed by students who were seeking amendments to the previously announced exam dates, which were revised after the announcement of the 18th Lok Sabha elections in the country. The students had raised concerns about potential transport and other logistical issues that may arise due to the upcoming parliamentary elections.
However, the two-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, dismissed the plea, stating that there is no legal provision that prohibits the conduct of examinations during the Lok Sabha elections.
Key Highlights of the Delhi High Court Decision
- The court noted that the authorities have been proactive in ensuring that the right of the candidates to cast their vote is not affected by the CA examinations.
- The bench firmly stated, “You want the CA examinations to be postponed? Is there any law which says that no examination can be held during the Lok Sabha elections? If you cannot study because of the elections, then you have no chance of becoming a CA. There is no justification.”
- The court further emphasized that the mere fact that the candidates may face difficulties in taking the examination cannot be a ground for the court to “derail the examination” which has been given by about 4.26 lakh candidates.
- The bench dismissed the petition, stating that the authorities have the responsibility to conduct the examinations as scheduled and ensure the smooth participation of the candidates.
The Delhi High Court’s decision upholds the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s (ICAI) stance on maintaining the previously announced CA exam dates for the 2024 session. This ruling reiterates that the examination process must continue without undue disruption, despite the concurrent Lok Sabha elections.
Candidates are now advised to focus their efforts on preparations for the upcoming CA intermediate and final examinations, scheduled to be held as per the original timeline. The authorities have assured that necessary measures will be taken to address any logistical challenges that may arise due to the elections.
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