Supreme Court Calls for Responses on NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak Allegations

On Friday, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) in response to petitions demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak and irregularities in NEET-UG 2024. This comes after 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720, raising suspicions about the integrity of the examination.

Congress Questions Arrests Amid Paper Leak Controversy

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the arrests related to the alleged NEET paper leak. He pointed out that 13 individuals were arrested in Bihar, and the Patna police uncovered payments ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh to an education mafia involved in the scam. Kharge asked, “If the paper was not leaked in NEET, then why were 13 accused arrested in Bihar?”

Assurance from the Union Education Minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met with NEET-UG students to address their concerns. He assured them that the government is committed to safeguarding their interests and that no student’s career would be jeopardized. Pradhan emphasized that the facts surrounding the NEET exam are now before the Supreme Court, stating, “The government is committed to protecting the interests of NEET examinees… no student will be at a disadvantage and no child’s career will be at jeopardy.”

Supreme Court’s Directives and Upcoming Hearings

A Vacation Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath directed the Centre and the NTA to respond to the petitions within two weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 8, when other related petitions will also be considered. The petitioners’ advocates highlighted the critical impact on lakhs of students, noting that some candidates were even driven to suicide due to the stress. However, the Bench cautioned against making emotional arguments and emphasized the necessity of hearing the Centre and NTA’s counsel before issuing any ex-parte orders.

Justice Nath reassured that the court is aware of the gravity of the situation and will address the arguments on July 8. In addition to seeking a CBI probe, the petitioners have requested the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 results, which were announced on June 4.

Consolidation of Litigation

The Bench also addressed NTA’s petition to transfer pending cases in various high courts to the Supreme Court to prevent multiple litigations. Notices were issued to relevant parties, and these matters will also be heard on July 8.

The Broader Impact

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the critical need for transparency and integrity in national examinations like NEET-UG. With the future of numerous aspiring medical students at stake, the outcomes of these hearings and investigations could lead to significant reforms in the examination process, ensuring fairness and meritocracy.

The allegations of a paper leak and subsequent arrests have cast a shadow over the NEET-UG 2024 results, affecting the morale of students and parents alike. The call for a CBI probe reflects the urgency to uncover the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any malpractices.

Moving Forward

As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s handling of the matter. The court’s decisions could pave the way for systemic changes that reinforce the credibility of NEET and other national entrance exams. Ensuring a robust and transparent examination system is crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of fairness and equality in education.

The upcoming hearing on July 8 will be a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga. The responses from the Centre and NTA, coupled with the Supreme Court’s deliberations, will significantly influence the future course of action. Whether it leads to a CBI investigation or other remedial measures, the ultimate goal remains to protect the interests of students and ensure that the sanctity of NEET-UG is preserved.