Today(on 29th July),The Supreme Court has declined to hear a PIL challenging the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam due to allegations of a question paper leak. This decision has sparked significant debate and concern among students and other stakeholders.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 29th July), the Supreme Court declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the government’s decision to cancel the UGC-NET examination following allegations of a question paper leak. The decision has sparked considerable debate and concern among stakeholders, particularly the students who were preparing for this pivotal exam.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra presided over the matter.
The Chief Justice addressed the petitioner, stating-
“Why are you (lawyer) coming? The students should appear in person to address these concerns.”
and further clarified-
“While dismissing the PIL, we make no comments on the merits of the case.”
This indicates that the dismissal of the PIL does not imply a judgment on the core issues raised, as it was filed by a lawyer and not directly by the affected students.
The petitioner, advocate Ujjawal Gaur, was urged by the bench to focus on other legal matters and leave issues like this for those directly impacted. The plea was filed in response to the Union Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency’s decision to cancel the UGC-NET exam after receiving inputs suggesting that the exam’s integrity might have been compromised.
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On June 19, the Education Ministry ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam and transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further inquiry. This move was intended to maintain the examination’s sanctity and address any potential misconduct.
In his plea, Gaur also sought an immediate stay on the proposed re-examination of the UGC-NET until the CBI concludes its investigation into the paper leak allegations.
The petition asserts-
“The petitioner argues that the decision is both arbitrary and unjust, particularly in light of the recent findings by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).”
According to Gaur, the CBI’s investigation revealed that-
“Evidence suggesting that the paper leak is fabricated, thereby undermining the grounds for the cancellation.”
The plea, filed through advocate Rohit Pandey, highlights the adverse effects of the cancellation on the aspirants.
It states-
“The unwarranted cancellation of the exam has caused significant distress, anxiety, and unnecessary expenditure of resources for the aspirants who have rigorously prepared for this crucial examination.”
This underlines the extensive preparation and dedication of the students affected by the cancellation.