Today(on 14th June),The Supreme Court stated that suicides in Kota were not linked to NEET-UG 2024 results and advised petitioners against making emotional arguments for a CBI probe into alleged exam irregularities. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta objected to claims that students at Kota coaching centers were dying by suicide.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today(on 14th June), clarified that the recent suicides in Kota were not connected to the NEET-UG 2024 results. The petitioners seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam were advised against making emotional arguments by the court.
The vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed their objections to the petitioners’ counsel, who linked the suicides of students at coaching centers in Kota to the NEET-UG 2024 results.
Justice Nath firmly addressed the counsel, stating-
“Please refrain from making unnecessary emotional arguments.”
During the hearing, the bench reiterated that there would be no stay on the NEET counselling process. The court emphasized the importance of not disrupting the counselling sessions for NEET-UG 2024 aspirants, which are crucial for their future academic endeavors.
In addition to these remarks, the bench issued a notice on the pleas that called for a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the exam, has been directed to file its response within two weeks. Other respondents, including the Centre, have been given time until July 8, the next scheduled date for the hearing.
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This clarification from the Supreme Court comes amidst a backdrop of rising concerns over the mental health of students enrolled in intensive coaching programs in Kota, a city renowned for its competitive exam preparation centers. The issue of student suicides has been a persistent concern, and the Supreme Court’s remarks aim to disentangle these tragic incidents from the ongoing legal scrutiny of the NEET-UG 2024 examination process.
As the court continues to address the allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, it remains vigilant in ensuring that the counselling process proceeds without interruption, thereby safeguarding the interests of the students. The involvement of the CBI, if sanctioned, would aim to provide a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims presented by the petitioners.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has recently come under scrutiny due to allegations of a paper leak and exam centre manipulations. On the latest hearing date, the counsel for the petitioners emphasized the urgency and importance of these allegations, calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioners argued that an investigation by the CBI was imperative to address the alleged paper leak comprehensively.
The counsel stated-
“This concerns the future of 24 lakh students.”
stressing the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on a large number of candidates.
Justice Nath, presiding over the case, acknowledged the significance of the matter.
“We understand that and are fully aware of it.”
-remarked Justice Nath, highlighting the court’s awareness of the concerns raised by the petitioners.
However, he noted that before any orders could be passed, the National Testing Agency (NTA) needed to respond to the allegations.
Apart from the CBI investigation, the petitioners sought other immediate reliefs. The counsel urged the court to direct the NTA to provide details of the entire examination process for each candidate before the counseling sessions begin in July. This request aimed to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination and subsequent admission process.
Justice Nath responded by acknowledging the petitioners’ concerns and stated that all arguments would be thoroughly considered in the next hearing.
“All arguments will be presented on July 8.”
– he said, setting the stage for further deliberation on the case.
The court also addressed allegations of exam centre manipulations, brought forward by one of the petitions filed by two NEET-UG candidates. The petitioners pointed out suspicious patterns in the selection of exam centres by candidates from various states. They noted an unusual number of students from Odisha, Karnataka, and Jharkhand choosing a particular centre in Godhra, Gujarat, raising concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
ALSO READ: [NEET Result Controversy] NTA Requested that it will seek Transfer of All High Court Cases to SC
In total, seven writ petitions were heard by the court regarding the NEET examination. Each petition highlighted various issues and irregularities, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation and corrective measures to maintain the credibility of the examination.
The next hearing on 8 July will be crucial in determining the course of action.
