New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India ruled on the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, upholding the decision to not re-administer the exam. The court dismissed petitions seeking cancellation or re-testing due to a paper leak, while also making it clear that the ruling does not preclude action against fraudulent admissions. Such flip-flops in a national exam do not serve the interests of the students, said the top court while pronouncing its verdict. SC orders central govt to take corrective measuresThe Supreme Court has pointed out the flaws in the National Testing Agencys (NTA) structural processes in its judgment, emphasizing that such deficiencies are unacceptable for students well-being. The Court has directed the Central government to rectify these issues immediately, ensuring that are resolved this year to prevent recurrence.The Supreme Court directed the Central government to address and resolve the issues that have emerged this year, to prevent their recurrence in the future. However, the court observed that the paper leak was confined to specific locations, namely Patna in Bihar and Hazaribagh in Jharkhand did not occur more widely.NEET-UG 2024: Supreme Court in its judgement says the committee constituted by the Centre also consider framing SOP for technological advancements to identify potential weaknesses in the cyber security of the examination system, processes for enhanced identity checks, CCTV…— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024Supreme Court says that in its judgement it has highlighted all the deficiences in the structural processes of the NTAs. We cannot afford this for the betterment of the students, says Supreme Court. Supreme Court says that the issues which have arisen must be rectified by the…— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024SC approves enhanced exam security measuresIn their ruling, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, noted that the committee established by the Central government recommended the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to leverage technological advancements in identifying vulnerabilities in the examination systems cyber security, as well as implementing enhanced identity verification processes and CCTV surveillance at exam centers to prevent future malpractices.SC directs panel to examine NTAThe Supreme Court has broadened the mandate of the Centre-appointed panel, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, to conduct a comprehensive review of the National Testing Agencys (NTA) operations and propose reforms to improve the examination process. The panel has been tasked with submitting its report by September 30, outlining measures to address and rectify the shortcomings in the examination system.The Ministry of Education announced the formation of a high-level committee on Saturday, June 24, which will be chaired by Dr K Radhakrishnan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).NEET UG ControversyOver 23 lakh students took the NEET-UG 2024 exam on May 5, but the exam was tainted by allegations of extensive cheating, leading to a major controversy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the NDA government faced intense backlash with protests erupting across the country and in Parliament.In the subsequent court hearings, top lawyers, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the government and NTA and senior advocates Narender Hooda, Sanjay Hegde and Mathews Nedumpara for the petitioners, presented their cases, highlighting the need for accountability and fairness in the exam process.
