Supreme Court notice asking body to look into NEET-UG's 'inconsistent marks' allegations

Lina Portman1 week ago

0 1 minute read

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA) following a petition filed by a learning app alleging cheating in the recently conducted NEET-UG exams. The Court ordered the NTA to respond to the notice by July 8, when the hearing in the matter will take place.

The petition raises serious concerns over the integrity of the NEET-UG exam held on May 5. The results of this review, announced on June 4, were marred by controversy and allegations of irregularities and embezzlement. The petitioners claim that more than 1,500 students received grace marks, which had a significant impact on the overall ranking and fairness of the exam.

Apart from the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also been asked to probe several cases related to alleged paper leaks and rigged exams. The CBI investigation spans several states and has already led to the interrogation of individuals and several arrests in connection with this case.

The petitioners, represented by the coaching center and other students, argued for the students' right to access their Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets.

However, Justices Manoj Mishra and SVN Bhatti, who presided over the case, questioned the fundamental rights allegedly violated by the NTA's actions.

Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu said the government was committed to investigating allegations regarding leaked exam papers.

“If for any reason there is obstruction in the examinations, it is not appropriate. Sanctity and transparency are essential in government recruitments and examinations,” she said. “The government is committed to conducting a fair investigation and ensuring the strictest punishment for those guilty of the recent paper leak incidents.”