Supreme Court issues notice on plea for CBI probe into NEET-UG 2024 paper leak.
Today, the Supreme Court issued notices on pleas seeking a CBI investigation into alleged paper leaks during the NEET-UG 2024 exam held on May 5. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the National Testing Agency to respond within two weeks. The cases were tagged with earlier petitions for a July 8 hearing. The court also addressed emotional arguments regarding student suicides in Kota, clarifying that they were unrelated to the NEET-UG 2024 results. Justice Nath emphasized the need for NTA’s response before considering a CBI investigation.
The Supreme Court’s response to the NEET-UG 2024 exam controversies has highlighted significant concerns and legal actions surrounding alleged malpractices and irregularities. In a recent hearing, the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta addressed several writ petitions related to the exam, which has stirred controversy due to suspected paper leaks and other misconducts.
The court’s proceedings saw the bench issuing notices on pleas seeking a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leaks during the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which took place on May 5. Notably, the bench tagged these cases with earlier petitions addressing similar issues for a consolidated hearing on July 8. The National Testing Agency (NTA) was directed to submit its response within two weeks, while other respondents, including the Centre, were given time until the next hearing.
During the hearing, the counsel representing the petitioners emphasized urgent reliefs sought, such as demanding that NTA provide comprehensive details of the entire examination process before the commencement of counseling in July. Stressing the magnitude of the issue, the counsel underscored that the future of approximately 24 lakh students hangs in the balance, urging the court’s prompt intervention.
Acknowledging the gravity of the matter, Justice Nath assured that all aspects would be duly considered, affirming the court’s conscientious approach. However, he cautioned against emotional arguments, dismissing claims linking student suicides in Kota to the NEET-UG 2024 results as unrelated and advised focusing on factual submissions.
In response to arguments advocating for a CBI probe into the alleged paper leak, Justice Nath sought clarification from the counsel regarding NTA’s response on the matter. He questioned the feasibility of ordering a CBI investigation ex parte without adequate substantiation, highlighting the need for procedural fairness.
Moreover, the proceedings brought to light allegations of exam center manipulations, particularly in Godhra, Gujarat. Petitioners, including NEET-UG candidates Hiten Singh Kashyap and Palak Mittal, raised concerns about students from states like Odisha, Karnataka, and Jharkhand allegedly paying hefty sums to secure a center at Jai Jalaram School in Gujarat. They cited instances where students from distant states purportedly paid Rs. 10 lakh each to influence their exam location, prompting investigations by local authorities.
Further complicating matters, reports surfaced of a significant paper leak racket, with claims suggesting a ring leader in Uttar Pradesh acquired NEET question papers for an exorbitant sum of Rs. 60 crores. These allegations underscored widespread concern over the integrity and fairness of the examination process, prompting calls for stringent actions and investigations.
Additionally, the issue of grace marks granted by NTA to candidates came under scrutiny. While initially provided to 1563 candidates, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that these grace marks would be revoked, offering affected candidates the option of a re-test. This decision was made in response to petitions challenging the validity and fairness of the grace marks allocation.
In parallel developments, the Supreme Court sought responses from NTA on three additional petitions concerning the NEET-UG 2024 exam, further underscoring the widespread concern and legal complexities surrounding the issue.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the NEET-UG 2024 controversy remains a focal point of national attention, with stakeholders awaiting further deliberations and decisive actions from the judiciary to uphold the integrity of the examination process and safeguard the interests of aspiring students nationwide.