NEET-UG 2024 Court Case Highlights All Updates

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 exam has been shrouded in controversy due to allegations of a paper leak. This has led to multiple petitions being filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the exam’s validity. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments in the ongoing court case, current as of July 11, 2024:

Allegations of Paper Leak:

• Reports surfaced in early June 2024 suggesting a leak of the NEET-UG question paper on social media platform Telegram.
• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which conducts NEET, denied any large-scale malpractice or widespread cheating.

Legal Challenge:

• Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court by students, parents, and educational institutions seeking various reliefs, including:
  • Cancellation of NEET-UG 2024 and conducting a fresh exam.
  • Investigation into the alleged paper leak.
  • Providing an opportunity to re-appear for the exam to students potentially affected by the leak.

Key Court Hearings:

• July 8th Hearing: The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud acknowledged that a paper leak occurred.
• The Centre submitted an affidavit stating there was no evidence of “mass malpractice” or specific groups gaining unfair advantages through abnormal scores.
• The affidavit referenced data analytics conducted by IIT Madras on exam results, indicating a normal distribution of marks, suggesting no irregularities.
• Lawyers representing some petitioners expressed not receiving the Centre and NTA’s affidavits.
• The Court adjourned the hearing to July 18th, 2024.

Current Status (as of July 12, 2024):

• The Supreme Court is yet to deliver a final verdict on the NEET-UG 2024 controversy.
• The next hearing is scheduled for July 18th, 2024.
• Lawyers representing petitioners are likely to respond to the Centre and NTA’s affidavits.
• The Court may consider the following aspects during the hearing:
  • The extent of the alleged paper leak and its impact on exam fairness.
  • The adequacy of the investigation conducted by authorities.
  • Potential solutions to address the concerns raised by petitioners.

Possible Outcomes:

• The Court may uphold the NEET-UG 2024 results if it finds no substantial evidence of a widespread leak affecting exam integrity.
• The Court may order a re-examination if it deems the leak to have compromised fairness for a significant number of students.
• The Court may direct further investigation into the alleged leak and potential involvement of any parties.

Impact on Students:

• The ongoing court case has created uncertainty and anxiety for students who appeared for NEET-UG 2024.
• Depending on the Court’s decision, a re-examination could lead to delays in medical college admissions for the academic year 2024-25.

Important Resources:

• Supreme Court of India Website: https://www.sci.gov.in/
• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Website: https://www.cbse.gov.in/
• News articles from reputable sources regarding the NEET-UG 2024 controversy.

Disclaimer: This information is based on publicly available news reports and does not constitute legal advice. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional for any specific questions regarding the NEET-UG 2024 court case.

Note: It is important to stay updated on the latest developments in the court case. You can do this by checking the websites of the Supreme Court of India and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as well as following news reports from reputable sources.