Supreme Court Takes Command of NEET-UG Paper Leak Scandal
(CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, has issued a notice to consolidate all petitions filed against the National Testing Agency (NTA) from various High Courts across the country.
Notice Issued to Transfer Petitions Against NTA to Supreme Court for Unified Hearing
New Delhi, India – July 15, 2024 – In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has conducted a pivotal hearing regarding the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, has issued a notice to consolidate all petitions filed against the National Testing Agency (NTA) from various High Courts across the country.
CJI Chandrachud’s Bench Moves for Centralized Hearings
The Supreme Court’s decision follows new petitions filed by the NTA, requesting the transfer of all pending petitions from High Courts to the Supreme Court. The division bench, comprising CJI Chandrachud, Justice Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra, presided over the hearing, emphasizing the need for a centralized judicial approach to address the widespread allegations of malpractice and irregularities in the NEET-UG exam.
Scheduled Hearing on Exam Cancellation and Paper Leak Petitions
Previously, on June 20, the Supreme Court had stayed the hearings on petitions challenging the grace marks awarded in the exams in the Calcutta, Bombay, and Jodhpur High Courts, following the NTA’s request. The Supreme Court has now scheduled the next hearing on the petitions concerning the NEET paper leak and exam cancellations for July 18, 2024.
CBI Submits Late Affidavit on NEET Case
In related proceedings, the CBI submitted its affidavit to the Supreme Court on July 11, despite the court’s deadline of July 10. Justice J.B. Pardiwala acknowledged the late submission but noted the importance of the CBI’s findings in the ongoing investigation. The Supreme Court had earlier directed all NEET stakeholders, including the NTA, CBI, Central Government, and petitioners demanding a retest, to submit their reports by July 10.
Overview of the Supreme Court Hearings on NEET-UG Irregularities
The Supreme Court is currently handling 38 petitions related to the NEET-UG 2024 exam irregularities. These petitions, filed by students, teachers, coaching institutes, and the NTA, highlight various aspects of the alleged malpractices, including the manipulation of OMR sheets and arbitrary grace marks awarded to candidates.
Transfer of Petitions to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court issued a notice to transfer all petitions pending before the Rajasthan High Court to itself, tagging them with the lead case, Vanishika Yadav. This lead petition seeks a re-conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 exam due to the alleged malpractices and paper leaks. Advocate Vardhaman Kaushik, representing the NTA, requested the court to stay the High Court proceedings, which CJI Chandrachud clarified would automatically cease following the Supreme Court’s notice issuance.
Allegations and Investigations Surrounding NEET-UG 2024
The NEET-UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, has been marred by numerous allegations of malpractice. Various petitions argue that the nationwide examination was compromised through paper leaks and other fraudulent practices. One petition seeks the recall of the NEET-UG 2024 results and the conduct of a fresh examination. Other petitions demand a comprehensive CBI investigation into the alleged malpractices.
Opposition to Exam Re-conduct
Opposing the calls for a re-conduct of the NEET-UG exam, 56 medical students from Gujarat filed a petition in the Supreme Court against canceling the results and re-conducting the examination.
Government and NTA’s Response
On July 10, the Union Government, in its affidavit, denied any widespread malpractice in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. Data analytics conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras indicated a normal distribution of marks, suggesting no significant irregularities. The NTA also refuted claims of an early leak of the NEET-UG exam paper, presenting evidence that a purported leaked photo on Telegram was manipulated.
Supreme Court’s Directive
The Supreme Court has directed all stakeholders to present their arguments and evidence in the next hearing on July 18. The outcome of this case will have profound implications for the integrity of the NEET-UG examination process and the future of medical aspirants across the country.