Karnataka HC directs KPSC to hold exam in Kalaburagi for pregnant candidate

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to facilitate a pregnant woman’s Group A exam in her hometown of Kalaburagi, citing her constitutional rights and questioning the lack of logistical flexibility despite large public expenditure on events like elections.

Also read: Karnataka govt to recruit 150 engineers through Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)

The candidate, who is in an advanced stage of pregnancy, had petitioned the court to permit her to take the exam in Kalaburagi, rather than travelling to the designated centres in Bengaluru or Dharwad. Her plea highlighted medical advice against long-distance travel and ongoing treatment in her hometown.

KPSC, however, initially declined her request, citing the need for standardised exam conditions, including CCTV surveillance and security. The commission argued that conducting the exam for a single candidate in an alternate location would be unfeasible.

In its April 4 ruling, Justice Dr. Chillakur Sumalatha noted that denying the candidate an opportunity due to her pregnancy would violate her fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution. The court underscored that infrastructure such as CCTV surveillance could be arranged promptly, as is often done during law and order situations.

Highlighting the contrast between resources spent on elections and the reluctance to support an individual candidate, the court instructed KPSC to inform the candidate of the new exam venue in Kalaburagi.