The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition that sought the re-scheduling of II PU supplementary exams as two exams fell on Sabbath day, considered to be a day of rest by some communities.

The petition was filed by the South Central India Union of Seventh Day Adventist Group (SDAG) and a student, seeking re-scheduling of the exams that fell on Sabbath day (both Saturdays). Hearing the petition, the High Court said that scheduling of exams on Sabbath day did not violate an individual’s right to freedom. 

The Times of India reports that Justice Aravind Kumar said that the Bible verses quoted by the petitioner, in no way indicate thatSaturday alone is a Sabbath day and that a student cannot study on that day.

The court observed that the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion under Article 25(1) of the Constitution is subject to public order, health, morality and other provisions.  

The court also pointed out that Sabbath was not listed in the list of holidays published by the government.

In February too, the petitioners had approached the courts seeking rescheduling of II PU main examination on the same grounds, which was rejected by the court.