Supreme Court to Hear Pleas Today on NEET UG 2024 Irregularities and Demands for Fresh Exam

On July 5, the National Testing Agency (NTA) submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, confirming that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating alleged paper leaks in the NEET UG 2024 exam.

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear petitions today regarding alleged malpractices in the NEET UG 2024 examination, which have sparked widespread protests and political tensions nationwide. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud will preside over the hearing.

Background:

On July 5, the National Testing Agency (NTA) submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, confirming that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating alleged paper leaks in the NEET UG 2024 exam. The CBI probe has already resulted in several arrests and is looking into the possibility of an organized nexus behind the leaks.

The NTA clarified that while immediate measures were taken once the leaks were discovered, canceling the exam was deemed unfair to the majority of students who took the exam honestly. The Ministry of Education supported this stance, arguing against the rationality of canceling the entire exam without evidence of a large-scale confidentiality breach.

Affidavits and Government Stance:

The Ministry of Education has filed affidavit urging the Supreme Court not to cancel the NEET UG 2024 exam. The Ministry emphasized the lack of substantial proof of a widespread breach and highlighted the need to protect the interests of students who took the exam without resorting to unfair means.

"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," the Ministry's affidavit stated. The Ministry underscored the need to balance the rights of all students involved.

High-Level Committee:

In response to the controversy, the Central government has constituted a High-Level Committee headed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO. The committee is tasked with recommending comprehensive examination reforms and restructuring the NTA. It aims to review examination procedures, improve data security protocols, and optimize the organizational structure of the NTA. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two months.

NEET UG 2024 Controversy:

The NEET UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, 2024, faced severe backlash due to reports of paper leaks and malpractices. The controversy intensified when 67 students scored All India Rank 1, many from the same exam center, leading to public outcry. The Supreme Court ordered a re-examination for affected students, scheduled for today.

CBI NEET Investigation:

The Ministry of Education has directed the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. This includes examining cases of cheating, impersonation, and breaches of trust by candidates and institutions. Additionally, the Ministry has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to prevent future issues.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the pleas, the nation watches closely, anticipating the implications for the NEET UG 2024 examination and the future of competitive exams in India.