Court mandates adherence to existing SSLC examination rules, citing violation of Article 14 if altered post-notification.
In a landmark decision, the Karnataka High Court, presided over by Justice E.S. Indiresh, has reinforced the principle that examination rules must remain unchanged once the process has commenced. This ruling came in response to a writ petition filed by Sahana R. Naik and others, challenging modifications to the examination rules for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations held between March 18 and April 2, 2026.
The petitioners argued that the State of Karnataka had proposed changes to the valuation process of the SSLC exams after the notification was issued, which they claimed was unfair and contrary to the principles of equality enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. The court agreed, directing that the valuation must adhere to the rules in effect at the time the examination notification was issued.
Justice Indiresh emphasized the legal doctrine that "the rules of the game cannot be changed midway," underscoring that any alteration post-notification breaches the fairness and equality guaranteed by Article 14. The court's decision aligns with previous judgments, including the case of Naveen Kumar N. v. KPTCL, where it was held that any substantive change in examination conditions post-commencement is impermissible.
The court's ruling mandates that the existing rules prevailing at the time of the 2025-26 academic year notification must be strictly followed, with no subsequent amendments allowed. This decision reaffirms the judiciary's role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of academic examinations, which are pivotal to students' future prospects.
The judgment has significant implications for educational authorities, ensuring that any procedural changes are made transparently and well in advance of examinations, thus protecting students' rights and maintaining the credibility of the examination process.
Bottom Line:
Examination rules cannot be changed after the examination process has started. Any modifications to the rules post-notification violate the principles of fairness and equality under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Statutory provision(s): Article 14 of the Constitution of India
Sahana R. Naik v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2886427
