The Supreme Court of India has addressed concerns regarding the integrity of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, acknowledging allegations of paper leaks and selective allocation of examination centers. Here are the detailed highlights from the hearing:
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Key Highlights from the Hearing
Allegations of Compromise:
- The Supreme Court noted the allegations of paper leaks and manipulation of examination centers for the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which was held on May 5.
- Petitions were filed seeking a fresh examination and recalling the results due to these alleged malpractices.
CBI Probe Ordered:
- The Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a report on the status of the probe into the allegations.
- The Supreme Court emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to maintain the sanctity of the examination process.
Response from NTA and Centre:
- The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Central Government have been issued notices to respond to the allegations within two weeks.
- The Supreme Court's vacation bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, will review the responses and further details during the next hearing on July 8, 2024.
Continuation of Counselling:
- Despite the ongoing investigation and allegations, the Supreme Court has decided not to halt the NEET counselling process.
- This decision ensures that the admission process for medical and dental courses continues as scheduled, minimizing disruption for students.
Legal and Educational Implications:
- The case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of competitive examinations in India.
- It highlights the legal recourse available to address allegations of malpractice and the role of judicial oversight in ensuring fairness.
Previous Cases:
- The Court tagged the current petitions with earlier cases that raised similar issues about NEET, indicating an ongoing concern about the examination's administration.
Implications and Next Steps
- Investigative Report: The CBI's investigative report will be crucial in determining the extent of the alleged malpractices and any necessary corrective actions.
- Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court's ongoing oversight ensures transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
- Future Examinations: The outcome of this case could lead to stricter measures and reforms in the conduct of future examinations to prevent similar issues.
The Supreme Court’s actions reflect its commitment to upholding the fairness and integrity of competitive examinations in India. The forthcoming CBI report and subsequent hearings will be critical in resolving these allegations and ensuring justice for all stakeholders involved.
