The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, confirmed the occurrence of a leak in the NEET-UG examination during a hearing on Monday. The Bench emphasized the need for an investigation to determine the extent of the leak.
Dispute Over Leak Claims
During the hearing, the Solicitor General (SG) denied the existence of any leak, supported by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Despite this, the CJI maintained that a leak had indeed occurred and highlighted the necessity of investigating its scale. The Court noted that if the leak had spread via Telegram and social media, its impact could be widespread.
Petitions and Allegations
The Supreme Court is currently addressing 33 petitions concerning the NEET-UG examinations. These petitions seek various actions, including the cancellation of the exam and the postponement of counseling, citing irregularities and malpractices during the May 5 test. Petitioners argue for a fresh examination due to the alleged breaches.
Government and NTA’s Position
The Centre and the NTA, responsible for conducting NEET-UG, have opposed the cancellation of the exam. They argue that such an action would be counterproductive and seriously jeopardize the futures of numerous honest candidates. They also stated that there is insufficient evidence to suggest a large-scale breach of confidentiality.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s confirmation of the NEET-UG exam leak underscores the need for a thorough investigation. While the government and NTA oppose canceling the exam, the Court aims to balance the integrity of the examination process with the interests of honest candidates.