The High Court of Karnataka in this case directed the Karnataka Public Service Commission to conduct the Group A main exam in Kalaburagi instead of the centers which were allotted Dharwad and Bangalore. 

Brief Details of Mahalaxmi vs. The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)

Genesis of the dispute

In the current case, the petitioner Mahalaxmi filed a writ petition in the court. Mahalaxmi lives in Kalaburagi. At the time of her Group A examination which is conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) she fell pregnant. At the time of her exams she was advised not to travel by her doctor. 

The present petition is filed by her to request to allow her to take exams from Kalaburagi. She has requested a change in her examination center citing health reasons. She had requested Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) but the same was rejected by them, hence a writ petition is filed by her in the High Court of Karnataka. 

Key issues before the court in this case

1. Whether the fundamental rights of the petitioner were violated when Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) rejected her request to arrange an alternative exam center near her place of residence?
2. Whether the justification given by the state is logical and whether due to pregnancy a request to change the examination center can be allowed?

Submission by both sides in Mahalaxmi vs. The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)

Grounds raised by petitioner 

The petitioner argued that denying her request to change the center of exam was a violation of her fundamental rights. Her request was to change the examination center along with all surveillance facilities and other requirements. It was argued by the petitioner that a request was made only because long travel was unsafe for her during the pregnancy. 

Grounds raised by respondent

The respondents argued that all the centers of the examination are fixed and cannot be changed for one person. The examination centers have so much surveillance and security measures that conducting an exam for one student at a totally different place is too much. The respondents further argued that on the request of one candidate it is not possible to change the logistics. The protocol for the security in the examination centers are already set and allowing such a request can set a precedent.  

Judicial findings in Mahalaxmi vs. The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)

The High Court stated that having a job is not counted as a fundamental right, the right to livelihood is a fundamental right which is protected under the Indian Constitution. As the petitioner in this case was not able to travel as it was unsafe and advised by her doctor, denying her the chance to appear in the exam seemed unfair to the court. The court referred to Article 14, Article 15 and Article 16 which states equality before law, allowing special support to the women and ensuring that they get equal opportunity in public employment. 

The court stated that Mahalaxmi was not asking for something major. The proper facilities to appear in an exam which includes electricity and CCTV were available in Kalaburagi too. Hence the court directed Karnataka Public Service Commission to allow Mahalaxmi to appear in the exam from Kalaburagi as her reasons were valid in nature. 

Takeaways from this case

The importance of balance in individuals rights and administrative power and procedures is emphasised in the case of Mahalaxmi vs. The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Employment might not be a fundamental right in the country but the right to equal opportunity and livelihood is a fundamental right. The High Court by allowing the petitioner to take the exam from a different center, the court has upheld the core constitutional ideals like equality, protection to women and fairness. This landmark judgement is an ideal illustration on how the administration and legal system has to update itself time to time and ensure that there is fairness, inclusivity, and justice. 

References 

• https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/karnataka-high-court/karnataka-high-court-order-pregnant-candidate-convenience-examination-centre-karnataka-public-service-commission-288828
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/high-court-orders-karnataka-public-service-commission-to-conduct-exam-for-pregnant-woman-in-kalaburagi/articleshow/120103914.cms
• https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-high-court-directs-kpsc-to-set-up-exam-centre-for-pregnant-woman-at-kalaburagi/article69427390.ece
• https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Apr/09/pregnant-woman-to-write-kpsc-exam-at-her-desired-place-after-hc-intervention