Over 50 successful NEET-UG candidates from Gujarat, including several top rankers, have approached the Supreme Court requesting intervention to prevent the cancellation of the controversial exam. They are seeking a directive for the Union Education Ministry to investigate and take strict action against those involved in unfair practices such as paper leaks and impersonation during the NEET-UG exam held on May 5 this year.
The petition, filed by 56 students just before a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is set to hear 26 petitions related to the exam’s conduct and demands for remedies like re-tests and thorough investigations.
NEET-UG, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is crucial for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses across government and private institutions in India. The exam, conducted on May 5 across 4,750 centers, saw participation from approximately 24 lakh candidates. Allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, have sparked protests and political debates in various cities.
The petitions seeking cancellation of the exam, re-tests, and comprehensive investigations are scheduled for a hearing on July 8 in the Supreme Court. Filed through advocate Devendra Singh, the plea emphasizes that cancelling the exam would unfairly penalize honest and diligent students and potentially violate their Right to Education under Article 14 of the Constitution.
The plea specifically requests the Centre and NTA to identify and take punitive action against exam takers involved in malpractice, as well as investigate centers where breaches of NEET-UG 2024 guidelines may have occurred.
