Plea in SC Seeks Cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 exam
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court of India seeking the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 examination. The plea calls for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged malpractices and fraud involved in the NEET exam conducted on May 5, 2024. Additionally, the petitioners have requested a stay on the counselling process until the investigation into the paper leak is completed.
The PIL has been filed by two members of an organization dedicated to supporting students. They contend that news of the NEET exam paper leak has deeply unsettled many students, depriving them of a fair chance to pursue their dreams of becoming medical practitioners. The petition emphasizes the significant effort and resources that students and their families invest in preparing for the NEET exam, and argues that these students have been unfairly denied a level playing field.
According to the plea, the existence of malpractices in the exam is evident from the unusually high scores achieved by some students. The petitioners highlight that scores of 718 and 719 out of 720 are statistically improbable, suggesting possible irregularities. They assert that the conduct of the exam was arbitrary and lacked transparency, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.
The PIL also points out that 67 students scored a perfect 720 out of 720 marks, with eight of these students reportedly coming from the same examination center. This, the petition argues, casts serious doubts on the conduct of the examination by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The petitioners believe that such anomalies indicate systemic issues and potential backdoor entries for certain students.
The Supreme Court recently declined to stay the declaration of the NEET-UG 2024 results but issued notices to the NTA and other respondents in a related matter. This decision reflects the ongoing legal scrutiny over the examination process and the allegations of malpractice. The plea seeks to ensure that justice is served for the aggrieved students who may have been disadvantaged by these alleged irregularities.
The petitioners are calling for a thorough investigation to restore the credibility of the NEET exam and ensure that deserving students are not denied opportunities due to fraudulent practices. They argue that a comprehensive probe by an SIT would help uncover the truth and potentially lead to reforms in the examination system to prevent such issues in the future.
The PIL highlights the broader implications of the alleged malpractices, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent examination process. By addressing these concerns, the petitioners hope to safeguard the interests of all students and uphold the integrity of medical entrance examinations in India.
As the case proceeds, the focus will be on the Supreme Court’s response to the allegations and the potential actions it may take to address the issues raised in the PIL. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for the future conduct of the NEET exam and the overall trust in the examination system.
