June 14th 2024.
In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has taken the initiative to address the issue of multiple litigations surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Under Graduate (NEET-UG) by issuing notices to private parties. The National Testing Agency, which conducts the NEET-UG, has approached the court seeking the transfer of cases pending in various high courts to the apex court. This move aims to avoid the hassle and confusion caused by the numerous petitions filed in different courts.
A vacation bench consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took cognizance of the National Testing Agency's plea, which highlighted that several petitions seeking the cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 due to question paper leaks and other malpractices are pending in different high courts. The bench has set July 8 as the date for the hearing of these cases.
In the meantime, the National Testing Agency has expressed its intention to withdraw three other petitions, which were seeking the transfer of cases from high courts to the Supreme Court. These petitions were related to the grant of grace marks to 1,563 candidates who faced a loss of time during the May 5 examination. The counsel representing the NTA informed the court that the issue has been resolved, and they will be informing the high court about the decision to cancel the compensatory marks awarded to the 1,536 candidates, as well as the subsequent order of the Supreme Court on June 13.
The NEET-UG examination has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of irregularities, leading to protests in various cities and multiple cases being filed in seven high courts and the Supreme Court. Amidst this, the central government and the NTA have announced the cancellation of grace marks given to 1,563 candidates who appeared for the examination for admission to MBBS and other related courses. These candidates now have the option to either take a re-test or forgo the compensatory marks awarded to them.
The NEET-UG examination, which took place on May 5, saw the participation of around 24 lakh candidates in 4,750 centers across the country. The results were initially scheduled to be declared on June 14 but were announced on June 4, much earlier than expected, due to the speedy evaluation of answer sheets. The controversy surrounding the examination has also resulted in protests by students in Delhi on June 10, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Moreover, it has been reported that 67 students have achieved a perfect score of 720, a first in the history of the NTA. What raised suspicion was the fact that six out of these 67 students belonged to a single center in Faridabad, Haryana, raising doubts about the possibility of irregularities. It has been alleged that the grant of grace marks has played a significant role in these students securing the top rank.
The NEET-UG examination is a crucial step for students aspiring to pursue courses in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related fields in both government and private institutions across India. The National Testing Agency conducts this examination, and they have assured the court that they are taking all necessary steps to address the issues and ensure a fair and transparent process for all candidates.
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