SC Seeks ICAI Response On Plea Against Its Notification Giving ‘Opt-Out’ Option To CA Aspirants Due To COVID-19

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on a petition challenging its notification giving an “opt-out” option to aspirants in the backdrop of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.

The May CA exam cycle has been re-scheduled between July 29 and August 16, and a notification was issued with the opt-out option on June 15 and June 20. “Respondent No.1 ICAI has notified that for the students who choose the OPT-OUT option, this attempt (May 2020) will be treated as cancelled/not counted. 

The petitioner urged the apex court to quash the notification with the opt-out option on the grounds that it violates the fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The bench has posted the matter for hearing on June 29.

By- Shrija Chauhan of LCD