Dyslexic student's plea to use calculator in exam rejected

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Supreme Court Friday dismissed a dyslexic student's plea for using a calculator during his class 12 examination.

"Since the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has considered and decided against the use of calculator, it is not possible for us to allow your prayer," a bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice Deepak Verma and Justice C.K. Prasad said while dismissing Pranjay Jain's plea.

While refusing to grant any relief to Jain, the bench agreed with the CBSE counsel's argument that 300 other students with mental deficiencies of various magnitude will take the examination without any special aids.

The counsel said only Jain had come to the court for such a concession.

The apex court agreed that granting a relief to Jain would open a floodgate and there would be similar pleas from others.

The bench observed that Jain cannot complain of any discrimination as, under the rules, students can rely on assistants for calculations during exams.

The apex court rejected Jain's argument that the CBSE rule denying use of calculator in exam violated Article 14 (equality before law) of the constitution.