The Supreme Court of India will hear petitions today(on 20th June), regarding alleged leaks and malpractices in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. A vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti will also address the NTA’s request to transfer all related cases from various high courts to the Supreme Court.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India is set to hear new petitions today(on 20th June), concerning the alleged leaks and malpractices in the NEET-UG 2024 examination. A vacation bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice SVN Bhatti will oversee the hearing.
Among the fresh petitions, ten have been filed by a group of 49 students and a student organization known as the ‘Student Federation of India.’ These petitions seek a directive to cancel the NEET-UG 2024 examination and conduct it afresh due to the alleged irregularities. Additionally, the petitions demand that the irregularities in the entrance examination be investigated by an independent agency or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to consider the appointment of an independent agency or a court-appointed committee to conduct a thorough post-examination analysis. This analysis should include a comprehensive background check, a forensic inquiry, and an investigation of all candidates who scored 620 marks and above.
The Student Federation of India, representing the petitioners, stated-
“We possess substantial evidence of malpractices in the NEET-UG 2024 examination, indicating a significant compromise in the integrity of the examination process.”
The organization emphasized the need for an independent investigation to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination process.
Furthermore, the petitioners highlighted specific instances of alleged leaks and unfair practices that have cast a shadow over the examination’s credibility. They believe that only a thorough investigation by a credible agency like the CBI can restore the faith of the students and the public in the NEET-UG examination system.
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One of the petitioners, a student who appeared for the NEET-UG 2024, expressed their frustration, saying-
“We worked tirelessly in preparation for this examination, only to discover it was tainted by unfair practices. We demand justice and a fair chance to compete.”
The petitions also call for the examination of all candidates who scored exceptionally high marks, stating-
“A forensic inquiry is crucial to uncover any discrepancies or malpractices that may have occurred. This will ensure that admissions are granted solely to deserving candidates based on their merit.”
The petitioners have stressed the urgency of the matter, requesting the Supreme Court to take immediate action to address their concerns. They argue that postponing the resolution of these issues will only add to the stress and uncertainty faced by the students.
As the Supreme Court takes up these fresh petitions, the students and the public at large await a fair and just resolution to the NEET-UG 2024 controversy. The outcome of this hearing will be crucial in determining the future course of action and restoring the credibility of one of India’s most important entrance examinations.
The Student Federation of India reiterated their commitment to ensuring a transparent examination process, stating-
“We will persist in advocating for students’ rights and safeguarding the integrity of the education system.”
The Supreme Court is set to hear four petitions filed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), requesting the transfer of all pending cases related to the NEET-UG exam row from various high courts to the apex court. This move aims to centralize the litigation process and ensure uniformity in the judicial proceedings concerning the NEET-UG examinations.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court made significant decisions regarding the ongoing NEET-UG exam controversy. The court refused to halt the NEET counselling process, thereby allowing it to continue as scheduled. Additionally, the Supreme Court declined to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take up the probe into the alleged paper leaks and malpractices associated with the NEET-UG exams.
The bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, emphasized the necessity of hearing all parties involved before initiating a CBI investigation. They stated that –
“There cannot be a CBI probe without first hearing the other parties involved.”
The Supreme Court bench issued a notice to the NTA on four different pleas related to the NEET-UG exam row. The NTA has been asked to respond within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for July 8. This step is part of the court’s effort to address the grievances and allegations surrounding the NEET-UG exams systematically.
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During the hearing, the Supreme Court underscored the importance of accountability and thorough examination of any potential negligence. The bench asserted that even “0.001% negligence on the part of anyone” should be thoroughly dealt with, highlighting the court’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct or laxity in the examination process.
The bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti, provided crucial guidance to the NTA and the Centre regarding their approach to the petitions filed against the NEET-UG exams. The court advised them not to view these petitions as “adversarial litigation” but rather as an opportunity to rectify any mistakes and improve the examination process.