New Delhi, June 14, 2024 – The Supreme Court has issued notices to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Central Government in response to several petitions seeking a probe into the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination. The petitions allege irregularities and malpractices in the examination process, raising concerns over the integrity and transparency of one of India’s most crucial entrance exams.
Supreme Court’s Directive
A bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, issued the notice following a preliminary hearing of the petitions. The bench has directed the NTA and the Centre to file their responses within two weeks, ensuring that the matter is addressed promptly.
In his remarks, Justice Chandrachud emphasized the importance of maintaining the credibility of national examinations like NEET. “The allegations raised in these petitions are serious and warrant an immediate response from the authorities concerned. The integrity of such exams is paramount, and any deviation must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
Allegations and Concerns
The petitions, filed by a group of students and parents, allege multiple discrepancies in the NEET-UG 2024 examination. Key concerns highlighted include:
- Question Paper Leaks: Allegations of question papers being leaked prior to the examination date, leading to unfair advantages for certain candidates.
- Technical Glitches: Reports of significant technical issues during the online examination process, causing disruptions and affecting the performance of numerous candidates.
- Malpractices: Claims of malpractices, including impersonation and the use of unauthorized aids by some candidates during the examination.
One of the petitioners stated, “We have gathered substantial evidence indicating that the NEET-UG 2024 examination was compromised. We urge the Supreme Court to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations.”
Response from NTA and Centre
Following the Supreme Court’s notice, the NTA and the Central Government are expected to provide detailed responses addressing the allegations. The NTA, which is responsible for conducting the NEET-UG examination, has faced similar allegations in the past and has been urged to take stringent measures to prevent such issues.
An NTA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and fairness in our examination processes. We will cooperate fully with the Supreme Court’s directives.”
Implications for Students
The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 examination has caused significant anxiety among students and parents. NEET-UG is a critical examination for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses in India, and any questions regarding its integrity can have far-reaching implications.
A student who appeared for the exam expressed concern, “This examination is a turning point in our careers. We need to have confidence that the process is fair and unbiased. The current allegations are very unsettling.”
The Path Forward
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the conduct of national examinations. As the investigation progresses, there will be increased scrutiny on the measures taken by the NTA and the Centre to address and rectify any identified issues.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the case in two weeks, where it will review the responses from the NTA and the Centre. The court is expected to provide further directions based on the findings presented.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s notice to the NTA and the Centre in response to the NEET-UG 2024 controversy marks a critical step towards ensuring the integrity of national examinations. As the investigation unfolds, students, parents, and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments to ensure a fair and just resolution.
Sarhind Times will continue to provide updates on this significant issue, keeping readers informed about the progress and outcomes of the Supreme Court’s proceedings.
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