The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed against the decision of the Kerala Government to hold Plus One exams in offline mode. A bench of Justices comprising Justice A M Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and C.T. Ravikumar observed that the court was convinced with the reasons given by the State Government in its affidavit and was hence dismissing the petition. The bench expressed hope and trust that the authorities will take necessary precautions.<br />''<br />''On 3rd of September, Supreme Court had stayed the conduct of exams, which were to commence from 6th of September on account of the COVID situation in Kerala.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Later, the Kerala Government filed an affidavit seeking permission to conduct the exam offline adhering to strict COVID protocols.<br />''<br />'' The affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary to the General Education Department stated that holding of exams in online mode will affect several students belonging to the backward section who lack access to computers and mobile phones. The state said that the marks of Plus One are added to the marks of Plus Two for evaluation for the purposes of higher education and hence, it was imperative to hold the exam.</span><br />