Central Government Files Affidavit Urging Supreme Court Not to Cancel NEET UG 2024 Exam

The Supreme Court will hear the NEET UG 2024 case on July 8, where it will decide on the integrity of the May 5 exam and the necessity for a re-exam.

The Central government has submitted a plea to the Supreme Court, urging that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Under Graduate) exam (NEET UG 2024) held on May 5 should not be cancelled. This submission comes amidst a torrent of allegations including malpractices, mass question paper leaks, and cheating.

In an affidavit filed on Friday, the Ministry of Education argued against the rationality of canceling the NEET UG exam and conducting a fresh examination. The Ministry maintained that there is no substantial proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality that would warrant such drastic measures.

"In the absence of any proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality in a pan-India examination, it would not be rational to scrap the entire examination and the results already declared. It is submitted that in any examination, there are competing rights that have been created whereby the interests of a large number of students who have taken the examination without adopting any alleged unfair means must not also be jeopardized," the affidavit stated.

This affidavit was filed in response to numerous petitions alleging irregularities in NEET UG, including question paper leaks. The NEET UG 2024 paper leak case is scheduled for hearing by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra on July 8. The bench will primarily examine whether the exam was compromised and whether a re-exam is necessary.

The Centre stressed that cancelling the exam would significantly disadvantage the many honest candidates who took the test fairly. It reiterated its non-adversarial stance, emphasizing a solution-oriented approach to the situation. "Union of India in a matter such as the present one, has adopted a solution-oriented approach," the affidavit noted.

On June 11, the Supreme Court had instructed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to respond to the allegations of the NEET UG paper leak. At that time, the Court had also stated it would not halt counseling for medical college admissions.

Additionally, media reports indicate an unusually high number of candidates achieved perfect scores, as per the results published on June 4. There are also allegations regarding irregularities in the awarding of compensatory marks for lost time during the exam.

Highlighting its commitment to fairness and transparency in all competitive exams, the Centre emphasized the critical importance of maintaining the confidentiality of question papers and prosecuting any individuals involved in criminal breaches with severe legal consequences. The affidavit also mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the various allegations, including conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and breach of trust related to the NEET UG 2024 examination.

Upcoming NEET UG 2024 Hearing

The Supreme Court will hear the case on July 8, where it will decide on the integrity of the May 5 exam and the necessity for a re-exam.