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ICAI CA May 2021: As per the latest update, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the notification released on 5th June issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), regarding the conduct of CA exams. The notification has been assailed since it does not give students the choice to opt-out before and during the exams and to carry forward all the benefits.
Petition Filed in the Supreme Court
The petition has asked for the Supreme Court’s direction to the ICAI to include an opt-out facility in the May CA exams, allowing students to carry forward their candidature to the next session of these exams.
The plea has also prayed for an extra attempt to Intermediate and Final year students appearing under the old syllabus.
The petition has also prayed for the top court’s directions to the authorities to ensure free transport and accommodation to the students. Admit cards for the exam may be treated as e-passes to ensure the smooth movement of students appearing in the CA exams.
The plea has further requested mandatory Covid testing and a vaccination drive for students who will appear in the exams, and for teachers and staff members who will be deployed on exam duty.
The plea by Advocate Anubha Shrivastava Sahai has also sought an increase in the number of exam centres. It said there should be “at least one examination centre in every district in India” and the exam should be conducted in a staggered manner. If the authorities can not ensure adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines and if students, exam staff can not be vaccinated, the exams scheduled from 6th July should be postponed to a later period when the COVID-19 situation normalizes.
Notification Released on 5th June
The ICAI on 5th June stated that CA foundation exams will begin on 24th July and CA Inter exams will be conducted between 6th and 20th July. CA Final exams are scheduled to be held from 5th to 19th July. Also, earlier, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on 5th June postponed CA Foundation exams and announced the date sheets for CA Intermediate and CA Final exams scheduled for July due to COVID-19.