Supreme Court to Hear Plea Today Challenging NEET-UG 2024 Results

Petitioners Demand Fresh Exam Amidst Allegations of NEET UG Paper Leak and Exam Center Manipulations

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea today challenging the NEET-UG 2024 results, with petitioners demanding a fresh examination. The petition is listed before the vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.

The petitioners have raised serious allegations against the National Testing Agency (NTA), including the improper granting of grace marks to several candidates. A fresh petition has also been filed, urging the Supreme Court to replace the NTA panel with a committee of retired judges from either the Supreme Court or High Courts to review the controversial grant of grace marks to over 1500 students.

Allegations of Paper Leak and Center Manipulations

The petitioners claim that apart from a paper leak, there were significant manipulations at exam centers during NEET-UG 2024. They have raised doubts about students from other states, such as Odisha, Karnataka, and Jharkhand, choosing a particular center in Godhra, Gujarat.

Police cases regarding the paper leak have been cited, with allegations that the leaked papers were circulated on Telegram channels a day before the exam. The petitioners argue that the NTA's denial of the paper leak, despite police investigations and arrests, does not inspire confidence.

"The NTA's refusal to acknowledge the leaks despite the evidence raises serious concerns about its commitment to ensuring a fair examination process. This denial also casts doubt on the NTA's ability to conduct secure and transparent examinations," state the petitioners.

Investigations and Arrests

The Economic and Cyber Crimes Division of the Bihar Police has taken over the investigation from the local police after uncovering evidence of an organized gang's involvement in the paper leak. Thirteen individuals have been arrested, including four candidates and members of the gang. The leaked question paper was allegedly solved at a hostel and school in Patna, and remnants of the burnt papers have been recovered.

Further investigations revealed that the leaked NEET-UG question paper was circulated on Telegram on May 4, 2024, a day before the exam. Evidence suggests a possible nexus between an organized solver gang and beneficiary candidates.

Wider Implications and Ongoing Arrests

The severity of the matter is highlighted by reports indicating that a ring leader allegedly acquired the NEET question paper for INR 60 crore in Uttar Pradesh. Subsequent arrests across various states have exposed systemic flaws in the administration of the NEET-UG exam by the NTA.

The petition mentions news reports, such as those from Dainik Bhaskar, detail the arrest of six examination mafias, including leaders from the Yadavendu gang. Their mobile phones revealed the circulation of the NEET question paper to about 100 people, indicating a broader dissemination.

The petitioners assert that the widespread leakage of the NEET-UG exam paper undermines the fairness and credibility of the entire examination system. They call for stringent measures to safeguard the integrity of such examinations and ensure a transparent and fair process.

The Supreme Court's decision on these pleas will be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the future conduct of national examinations in India.