In a major directive on Tuesday, the Supreme Courtroom instructed each the central authorities and the Nationwide Testing Company (NTA) to meticulously tackle purported irregularities in NEET-UG 2024. With candidates investing immense effort into this esteemed examination, the court docket emphasised the gravity of the matter.
Asserting a zero-tolerance stance in direction of negligence, the apex court docket burdened the necessity for thorough scrutiny, even for the minutest oversight. Justices Vikram Nath and S V N Bhatti, comprising the bench, underscored that any trace of negligence calls for meticulous investigation. Justice Bhatti additional urged the Centre’s counsel to not understand petitions towards the NEET examination as adversarial litigation.
Drawing consideration to the potential repercussions of fraudulent practices, Justice Bhatti highlighted the detrimental influence on society, particularly contemplating the toil endured by aspirants in preparation for the examination. Advocate Kanu Agarwal, representing the Centre, concurred with the court docket’s acknowledgment of the candidates’ arduous efforts, affirming their seriousness in addressing the problem.
Encouraging accountability from the company chargeable for conducting the examination, the justices emphasised the significance of promptly acknowledging and rectifying any errors. Referring to latest developments, Agarwal hinted on the NTA’s response, indicating a shift in stance concerning grace marks allocation. The bench, whereas acknowledging the challenges in figuring out discrepancies, urged swift motion, lamenting the sluggish response time.
These remarks got here throughout a listening to regarding allegations of paper leaks and malpractices in NEET-UG 2024, with the apex court docket issuing notices to the Centre and NTA for additional proceedings in July.
Final week, the court docket permitted the withdrawal of compensatory marks for time loss by sure candidates and scheduled an non-compulsory re-test, acknowledging the equity and validity of the committee’s suggestions. Regardless of allegations of mark inflation, the NTA maintains its stance on the integrity of the examination course of.
