Cuttack, Nov 5: The Odisha High Court has sought responses from the State Government and the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) over allegations that several candidates from southern Odisha could not appear for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Written Examination due to Cyclone ‘Arnab’.

The OPSC commenced the OCS Main Written Examination on October 31. However, severe rainfall and flooding caused by Cyclone Arnab reportedly prevented several candidates from reaching their examination centres.

Hearing a petition filed in this regard, the High Court directed the State Chief Secretary and the OPSC Secretary to submit their responses.

Also Read: Cyclone Arnab: OPSC reschedules Odisha Civil Services main exam

The court has specifically asked the State Government to clarify whether a special examination can be conducted for candidates who missed the OCS Mains examination due to the cyclone.

Rashmi Narayan Patnaik has filed a petition seeking cancellation of the examination over the issue.

A division bench comprising Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi and Justice M.S. Raman heard the matter and scheduled the next hearing for November 6.

The court's direction has brought relief and renewed hope for candidates who were unable to appear for the examination due to the severe weather conditions.