Decision to hold CSS exam in Urdu suspended

LHC CJ remarks it is not the court’s job to change languages

LAHORE: A division bench of the Lahore High Court on Wednesday suspended a single-bench’s earlier decision to hold the CSS (Central Superior Services) examination in Urdu.

The division bench, headed by Chief Justice Syed Mansoor  Ali Shah, suspended the earlier decision by a single bench of the court which directed authorities to ensure holding of CSS examination 2018 in Urdu language.

During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that it is not the court’s job to change languages. The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) had challenged the decision of the single bench stating that it was not possible to hold the exam in Urdu as there was no syllabus in Urdu and even no required examiners available.

The petitioner added that Urdu is not a compulsory course for graduation. He said it is not possible to hold the CSS examination in Urdu. The bench adjourned the hearing for three weeks after suspending operation on the order of the single bench.

Last month, Justice Atir Mehmood of the LHC had directed the FPSC to ensure holding of CSS (Central Superior Services) examination 2018 in the Urdu language in view of the Supreme Court’s verdict. Justice Atir had passed the order on a petition filed by Advocate Saifur Rehman, a candidate of CSS 2017, who had objected to an FPSC advertisement that he said was silent about the language in which the examination would be held.