The Supreme Court of India has granted a significant relief to candidates with disabilities appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, allowing them to change their scribe details in the registration form until May 18, 2025, by 4:00 PM. This decision was issued by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta in response to a writ petition filed by Mission Accessibility.
The petitioners argued that the initial deadline of February 18, 2025, for submitting scribe details was problematic, as it forced candidates to secure scribes months in advance. Given that scribes generally volunteer for this role, it was challenging for candidates to obtain long-term commitments from them.
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The Supreme Court, acknowledging the difficulties faced by candidates, stated:
"In view of the submissions noted above, we hereby provide that all the requests for change of scribe submitted by the concerned candidates who are entitled for a scribe in terms of the CSE Rules, 2025 shall be entertained till 18th May, 2025."
Advocate Rahul Bajaj, representing Mission Accessibility, emphasized the need for a clear timeline for the UPSC to communicate its decision on approving or rejecting the requested scribes. He highlighted that in cases where the UPSC disallows a scribe, candidates must have adequate time to seek alternatives.
In response, Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah, appearing for the UPSC, informed the court that the commission had already received 27 requests from candidates with disabilities. He assured that these requests would be assessed on merit and decisions would be communicated to the candidates within three working days.
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The Court directed the UPSC to ensure timely decisions, stating:
"The Commission shall immediately, upon receipt of such application, consider the same objectively and communicate the decision thereof by a reasoned order to the candidate/s concerned within a period of three working days from the date of receipt of the application/s."
Another crucial issue raised in the petition was the provision of screen reader software, Access with Speech (JAWS), for candidates with visual disabilities. Despite the demand, the UPSC's affidavit did not provide a clear response on this matter.
While the petitioners argued that the facility should be extended to eligible candidates, the UPSC stated that currently, it lacked the logistical capacity to provide this feature for the Preliminary Examination. Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah requested additional time to file a specific affidavit regarding the feasibility of screen reader availability.
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Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, representing the Union, stated that the issue could be examined further by the UPSC in coordination with the Department of Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She assured that any decision on this matter would not require statutory amendments.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to further hear the issue of screen reader software for candidates with disabilities on May 16, 2025.
'Case Details: MISSION ACCESSIBILITY v. UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.|Diary No. 8097-2025
Appearances: Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Adv. Ms. Sanchita Ain, AOR Mr. Amar Jain, Adv. Mr. Taha Bin Tasneem, Adv. Ms. Anchal Bhateja, Adv [Petitioners]
For Respondent(s) :Mrs. Archana Pathak Dave, A.S.G. Mr. Udit Dedhiya, Adv. Mr. Sudhakar Kulwant, Adv. Mr. Yashraj Bundela, Adv. Mr. Amit Sharma B, Adv. Dr. N. Visakamurthy, AOR
Mr. Hrishikesh Baruah, AOR Mr. Utkarsh Dwivedi, Adv.
