IHC Reserves Verdict in Plea Against Barring Students from CSS Exam at Lahore Centre

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict after hearing arguments in a petition challenging the prevention of hundreds of candidates from appearing in the CSS examination at the Lahore centre.

The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Asif, while petitioner’s counsel Munir Ahmed Advocate appeared before the court. The petitioner contended that hundreds of candidates were deprived of taking the examination at the Lahore centre.

During the hearing, Justice Asif remarked that “the state is like a mother and should take care of its children,” emphasizing that students must be facilitated rather than penalized. In a light exchange in the courtroom, state counsel Ali Azad responded that he considered the state to be like a father, prompting laughter in the courtroom.

An Assistant Attorney General informed the court that candidates had been instructed to arrive 50 minutes before the examination time, adding that those who failed to comply were responsible for the consequences. He further argued that approaching the high court directly was not appropriate, as two other forums were available prior to filing the petition.

Justice Asif observed that pursuing other forums first would have wasted the students’ time. Addressing the law officer, he stated, “These are young students. You should show generosity and grant them relief.” The court reiterated that the state must ensure education and provide necessary facilities to students.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted that around 4,000 candidates were scheduled to appear at the Lahore centre out of a total of 17,000 candidates nationwide. He argued that although the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) had issued a press release directing candidates to arrive 50 minutes early, the gates were closed 50 minutes before the exam began, causing many candidates to miss what he described as a “lifetime opportunity.”

Justice Asif questioned whether examination centre gates could be closed before the commencement of the paper.

After completion of arguments, the court directed the petitioner’s counsel to submit relevant previous judgments for consideration and subsequently reserved its decision.