NEET UG: Supreme Court To Hear Pleas On Transfer Of Cases And CBI Probe Into Alleged Paper Leak Shortly

NEET Results: The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions today regarding the NEET UG 2024 exam results, a case that has stirred significant controversy.

NEET UG 2024 Controversy: The Supreme Court will hear pleas from the National Testing Agency (NTA), urging the transfer of multiple cases concerning the NEET UG 2024 exam from various High Courts across the country to the apex court. Supreme Court will also hear plea seeking CBI investigation into alleged instances of paper leak and malpractices in the conduct of NEET UG 2024. A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta will hear the matter.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it has decided to cancel the grace marks awarded to 1,563 students. These students will be notified of their actual scores, excluding the grace marks, and will be offered the option to retake the exam. The counsel representing the Union Government conveyed this to the Supreme Court on Thursday. If the students choose not to retake the exam, their scores from the May 5 exam will be considered.

On Thursday evening, the National Testing Agency (NTA) issued a notice regarding a re-examination for 1,563 students, scheduled for June 23, 2024. The results of this re-exam are anticipated to be announced by June 30, 2024.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the NEET exam controversy on Thursday, asserting the NTA's commitment to follow Supreme Court directives. "The NTA is committed to taking appropriate action in compliance with the directives of the Honorable Supreme Court regarding the NEET exam issue. As per the Supreme Court's instructions, the exam will be re-conducted for 1,563 students," Pradhan said.

He categorically denied allegations of a paper leak, emphasising, "No concrete evidence of any malpractice, corruption, or paper leak in the NEET exam has surfaced so far. All related facts are before the Supreme Court and are under consideration."

In a sharp critique directed at the Congress party, Pradhan reminded them of the government's recent legislative efforts. "I would like to remind the Congress party that, to prevent paper leaks and ensure a fair examination, the central government passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act this year, which includes several stringent provisions. Congress should not be under the misconception that any discovered nexus will not be acted upon. The provisions of this Act will be implemented meticulously."

Highlighting what he termed as Congress' tendency to politicise educational issues, Pradhan said, "It is an old habit of Congress to politicize students' futures. Instead of playing political games, Congress should contribute to India's development."

Expressing concern over the impact of political maneuvering on students, especially during the NEET counselling process, Pradhan said, "The kind of politics being played on this issue is merely an attempt to spread confusion, which affects the mental peace of students. Currently, the NEET counseling process is about to begin, and making it a subject of political hunting is not only inappropriate but also akin to playing with the future of the next generation. The central government's focus is always on ensuring a bright future for students."

"The opposition is devoid of issues and is spreading lies without knowing the facts on such a sensitive matter. Congress is playing with the country's future for its petty politics," he added.

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