The Supreme Court will continue its hearings on July 22 regarding petitions seeking the cancellation, retest, and a court-supervised investigation into alleged misconduct during the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which took place on May 5. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, convened on July 18 and directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to release the NEET UG results by examination centre by July 20.
Here's all you need to know
July 18, 2024:
During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud presented two scenarios regarding the NEET UG paper leak: either before May 3, while the papers were in bank custody, or on May 5, after the papers had been distributed. The court inquired about the number of students who changed examination centres and the allocation procedure. The Supreme Court directed the NTA to release the NEET UG results by centre and state by July 20, 2024, in response to petitions seeking increased transparency. Additionally, the Bihar police and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) were instructed to submit their inquiry reports.
July 11, 2024:
CJI Chandrachud's bench adjourned the hearing after petitioners' counsel requested more time to review affidavits from the Centre and NTA. The bench noted that the CBI had submitted its investigative status report as per previous directives.
July 8, 2024:
The court reviewed the NEET-UG 2024 irregularity controversy and expressed reluctance to order a large-scale retest due to logistical and financial concerns. The Supreme Court addressed the paper leak issue, inquiring about the number of beneficiaries and the actions taken against them.
June 21, 2024:
The Supreme Court rejected a petition to halt the NEET-UG 2024 counselling process. The NTA was notified, and additional pleas were consolidated with outstanding petitions.
June 18, 2024:
The Supreme Court issued a notice to the NTA, requesting a response to complaints regarding alleged document leaks and misconduct. The court stressed the importance of addressing any negligence, asserting that even minimal negligence should be thoroughly investigated.
The NEET-UG 2024, administered by the NTA, was conducted on May 5, 2024, across more than 4,000 centres in 571 cities for approximately 24 lakh candidates. A retest was held on June 23 for 1,563 applicants, with 813 taking the exam. The initial NEET UG results were released on June 4, followed by revised results on June 30.