New Delhi, June 18, 2024 — The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to meticulously address any instances of negligence, no matter how minor, in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examinations. This comes amid rising concerns over paper leaks, malpractices, and the controversial awarding of grace marks to some candidates.
A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SV Bhatti emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the examination, acknowledging the significant effort students put into preparing for the highly competitive test.
“Even if there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with,” Justice Bhatti stated, underscoring the need for serious attention to the matter. He further remarked on the potential dangers posed to society if individuals who engage in fraudulent activities during exams become practicing doctors.
The bench was hearing a writ petition that echoes concerns raised in previous cases about NEET-UG irregularities. The current petition has been tagged with other similar cases scheduled for hearing on July 8.
Justice Bhatti called on the NTA to act proactively and admit any mistakes, emphasizing that this would help restore public confidence in the examination process. He urged the NTA and the Union Government to maintain transparency and accountability.
“Your stance should not change when you enter the court. If there is a mistake, acknowledge it and take action. This inspires confidence in your performance,” Justice Bhatti remarked, highlighting the importance of clear and honest communication from the authorities.
The petitioners in the current case have raised concerns about the status of the investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak incidents, especially with counselling scheduled to begin on July 6. The court has directed the NTA and Union Government to file their responses within two weeks and to take timely action.
In response, counsel for the Union Government noted that last week’s decision to revoke the grace marks awarded to 1,563 students demonstrates the authorities’ responsiveness to candidates’ concerns.
The Supreme Court’s directive aims to ensure that the NEET-UG 2024 examination process is conducted with the highest standards of integrity and fairness, reflecting the significant dedication of the candidates preparing for the exam.
