New Delhi, July 9, 2024 — The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a report on the status of the investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak. The court also asked the government to provide details on the number of people who benefitted from the leak, emphasizing the potential necessity for a re-test if the sanctity of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 has been compromised.
Hearing and Allegations
A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is currently hearing over 30 petitions related to the NEET-UG 2024, including those alleging irregularities and requesting a re-examination. The hearing on Monday highlighted significant concerns regarding the integrity of the exam process following the alleged leak.
Government and NTA’s Stand
Last week, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Centre informed the Supreme Court that cancelling the exam would be “counterproductive” and “seriously jeopardise” the futures of countless honest candidates, especially in the absence of evidence of a large-scale breach of confidentiality.
Key Points Raised by the Supreme Court
- Propagation of Leak: The court expressed concerns that if the leak spread via social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, it could have disseminated widely and quickly.
- Acknowledgement of Leak: “One thing is clear that leak of question paper has taken place,” stated the bench, underscoring the severity of the issue.
- Sanctity of Exam: The court emphasized that if the sanctity of the exam is lost, a re-test is necessary. “If we are unable to identify those who are guilty, then a re-test has to be ordered,” the bench noted.
- Breach Impact: The bench highlighted that if the breach affects the entire process and beneficiaries cannot be segregated, a re-test may be the only solution.
- Government Accountability: The court questioned the government’s measures to identify those who benefitted from the leak and the actions taken against them.
- Geographical Distribution: The SC requested information on the geographical distribution of beneficiaries and the results of wrongdoers whose results have been withheld.
- Timeline of Leak: The court directed the NTA to provide information on when the leak of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper first occurred.
Investigation and Next Steps
The CBI has been ordered to submit a report indicating the status of the investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak. The matter will be heard again on July 11, where further decisions regarding the potential re-test and the extent of the investigation’s findings will be discussed.
Implications for Students
The NEET-UG 2024 controversy has placed the futures of thousands of aspiring medical students in uncertainty. The Supreme Court’s decision on whether a re-test will be conducted will significantly impact their academic and professional trajectories. The court’s insistence on maintaining the integrity of the examination process underscores its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent system for all candidates.
For continuous updates on the NEET-UG 2024 case and other education-related news, stay tuned to Sarhind Times.
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