In a major relief to a student suffering from slow learning disability, the Supreme Court on February 27 allowed him to avail the facility of a writer while appearing for his Higher Secondary Certificate Exams. The Bombay High court had earlier rejected his plea on grounds that there were no provisions in the State Board rules to provide writers to slow learners.

The student, a resident of South Mumbai had approached the High Court challenging the communication of the State board refusing him a writer. The Board had, however, allowed him 20 minutes extra per hour for all papers during the ongoing HSC exams.

The High Court had rejected the student's plea, primarily taking into account the notification issued by the board that the services of a writer are only allowed to students who are deaf/mute, blind, physically disabled and spastic. The student did not fit into any of these categories, the Board told the HC.

While dismissing the student's petition, the HC took into consideration an opinion provided by an expert from the department of paediatrics, KEM hospital, Parel. The expert had said that the teenager was a slow learner, and did not suffer from dysgraphia- a learning disability that affects the ability to write.

After the petition was dismissed on February 25, his parents had moved the apex court which, by way of interim relief has directed the State Board to allow the student avail the facilities of a writer for his exams scheduled to be held on March 2, 4 and 9. The court on March 9 is likely to give a final decision on the petition.

Advocate Ameya Gokhale, appearing for the student, said, "Supreme court has given an interim relief giving us a writer for three exams. This relief is subject to a final outcome of the petition."

Chairman, Mumbai divisional board, Laxmikant Pandey, said, "The Chief Conductor where the student is appearing for his exams will have to follow the Supreme Court order."