NEET SC Hearing :
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to publish the results of the NEET-UG 2024 examination on its official website by July 20, 12 pm. The results are to be declared city-wise and center-wise, ensuring that the identity of the candidates remains masked.
Court’s Directives
The directive came from a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, which is currently hearing over 40 petitions that allege irregularities and malpractices in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2024 examination. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, who are also part of the bench, underscored that the sanctity of the examination had been compromised, a fact which was “beyond question.” However, the bench maintained that canceling the exam entirely would be an “extreme last resort,” given that it would affect the lives of over 23 lakh students.
Background of the Case
The NEET-UG 2024 examination has been mired in controversy following allegations of question paper leaks, malpractices, and irregularities at several examination centers. These issues have led to widespread unrest and have prompted numerous petitions demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate action.
In response to these allegations, the NTA has been under scrutiny, and its leadership has faced significant changes. Subodh Kumar Singh, the former Director General of the NTA, was removed from his position amid these allegations. The government also formed a high-level committee, led by a former ISRO chief, to ensure the integrity of future examinations.
Ongoing Investigations
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been actively involved in investigating the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. Recently, the CBI detained four students from AIIMS Patna for their alleged involvement in the scandal. This detention followed the arrests of Pankaj Kumar and Rajkumar Singh, who were accused of stealing the question paper from an NTA trunk in Hazaribagh. To date, the CBI has arrested 14 individuals in connection with the case, including Rakesh Ranjan, who is alleged to be one of the masterminds behind the leak.
Government’s Stance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have both expressed their serious concerns over the issue. PM Modi emphasized that the government is taking war-like efforts to book the culprits and strengthen the examination system to prevent such incidents in the future. The education minister acknowledged institutional failures and assured that reforms are being initiated under the new leadership of the NTA to address these challenges.
Impact on Students
The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 examination has caused significant distress among the students who have spent years preparing for this highly competitive exam. The Supreme Court’s decision to publish the results while masking the identities of the candidates aims to maintain transparency and protect the interests of the students.
Looking Ahead
The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings on July 8 to address the numerous petitions and ensure that justice is served. The NTA has been directed to respond to the court’s directives within two weeks. Meanwhile, the CBI continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the malpractices and bring those responsible to justice.
The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak scandal has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the examination system, prompting a comprehensive review and stringent measures to restore faith in the process. The ongoing legal and investigative actions underscore the commitment to maintaining the integrity of one of India’s most crucial entrance examinations.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive to publish the NEET-UG 2024 results by July 20 is a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing crisis. As the investigation continues and reforms are implemented, the hope is that the examination system will emerge stronger and more transparent, ensuring a fair and just process for all aspiring medical students in India.
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