HC allows one-hour extra time for physically challenged

The Madras High Court today directed Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) to grant an extra time of one hour to physically challenged persons appearing for the Group I written examination to be held from tomorrow.
Justice D. Hariparanthaman passed the order on a petition by R Ramesh, a physically challenged person, seeking extra time for the examination to be held over three days.
Earlier, TNPSC counsel Niraimathi submitted that an extra time of 30 minutes was granted to the physically challenged persons.
The Judge, however, directed the Commission to provide one hour extra time in the light of a September 29, 1993 Government Order issued by Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department which provided for extra time of 50 per cent not exceeding one hour.

"When the G.O provides extra time of 50 per cent not exceeding one hour to physically handicapped persons, TNPSC is not expected to say that only 30 minutes extra time would be granted," the Judge held.
The petitioner, who holds an M.Sc. Degree and belongs to Scheduled Caste, had cleared Group I preliminary exam conducted by TNPSC in 2013.
He had sent a representation to TNPSC on April 10 seeking additional time for the examination but no order was passed by it either accepting or rejecting his request. Hence, he filed the present petition.