Supreme Court Deliberates NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak Allegations, Defers Matter to July 8

NEET UG 2024- Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court asserted that "even if there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with.

In a significant hearing today, the Supreme Court of India addressed the petitions demanding an investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2024 scam, which includes accusations of paper leaks and widespread malpractices. The apex court has deferred its decision on initiating a CBI investigation until July 8, 2024.

The bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Bhatti, emphasized the importance of timely action from the National Testing Agency (NTA). Justice Vikram Nath remarked, "We expect timely action from you (NTA). Let us hear the petitions on July 8." Justice Bhatti added, "Whatever ancillary prayer you want, you can of course make," and advised the petitioners to "keep the arguments close to your heart" for the next hearing. The court has issued a notice, allowing the respondents time to file their replies.

The controversy surrounds allegations of paper leaks and manipulations, particularly involving students from Odisha, Karnataka, and Jharkhand who allegedly chose an examination center in Godhra, Gujarat, under suspicious circumstances. These allegations have led to calls for a comprehensive CBI investigation to uncover the extent of the malpractice.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court asserted that "even if there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with." The court underscored the labor and dedication of the students who prepared for the exam, emphasizing, "Children have prepared for the exams, we cannot forget their labour."

On June 13, 2024, the Supreme Court refused to halt the ongoing NEET-UG 2024 counseling process despite petitions challenging the exam results. The court insisted on the importance of proceeding with counseling and admissions without delay, questioning, "Why should we delay counseling and admission?"

In a critical update, the NTA revealed that the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates, who were initially awarded grace marks due to reduced exam time, have been canceled. These candidates are now offered a chance to retake the exam on June 23, with results expected by June 30. Kanu Agarwal, representing the NTA, assured the court that the re-test notification would be issued promptly to keep the July counseling schedule intact.

The Supreme Court has acknowledged the Union's position on the grace marks issue and has scheduled the next hearing for July 8, 2024. This session will further address the allegations of unfair means and procedural lapses in the NEET-UG 2024 examination process.

In relation to the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, the Supreme Court has made it clear to the Union and the NTA that any negligence, no matter how minor, must be thoroughly addressed. The next hearing is set for July 8, 2024.