New Delhi: The political climate in India is ablaze over the NEET-UG 2024 controversy. The Center has recently filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, asserting that there is no need to reconduct the NEET-UG 2024 exam due to the absence of substantial evidence indicating widespread irregularities.
In its affidavit, the Union Education Ministry argued that canceling the entire exam would unfairly penalize the hundreds of diligent students who successfully navigated the NEET-UG 2024 questions.
The Center stated, “In the absence of any large-scale breach of confidentiality in the nationwide examination, it is not logical to annul the entire exam and the results already declared.” Additionally, the central government informed the court that it has requested the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Integrity of NEET-UG Under Scrutiny
NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a pivotal examination for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions. However, its integrity has come under fire due to allegations of question paper leaks and other irregularities, sparking widespread protests and political tensions.
Supreme Court Seeks Answers from NTA
On June 11, the Supreme Court, while addressing a petition to reconduct the exam, expressed concerns about the sanctity of NEET-UG and requested responses from both the Center and the NTA. Despite these concerns, the court declined to halt the counseling process for successful candidates. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is set to hear a series of petitions on July 8, which call for various relief measures, including a re-examination and a thorough investigation into the alleged malpractices.
Students Rally for Justice
In a significant development, over 50 successful NEET-UG candidates from Gujarat approached the Supreme Court on Thursday, seeking directives to prevent the cancellation of the controversial exam. The petition, filed by Siddharth Komal Singla and 55 other students through advocate Devendra Singh, urges the court to instruct the respondents (the Center and NTA) not to reconduct the NEET-UG exam. The petition argues that such a move would be unjust and harsh to honest and hardworking students and would violate their right to education under Article 14 of the Constitution.
