NEET-UG Row: Demand for CBI investigation into allegations of question paper leak and other irregularities; 'Supreme' notice to Center-NTA

Amid the NEET-UG controversy, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Center and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The notice has been issued regarding the petition seeking a CBI inquiry into the allegations of question paper leak and other irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate, 2024. Apart from this, the court has also issued notice to all the parties on the petition of the National Examination Agency seeking the transfer of petitions from different High Courts to the apex court. The petition will be heard on July 8.

What did the bench say?

A vacation bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta heard the matter. During this, the argument of the National Testing Agency (NTA) counsel noted that several petitions seeking cancellation of NEET-UG based on allegations of question paper leak and other irregularities are pending in several High Courts.

The bench said that we are issuing notice. These will be heard on July 8. Meanwhile, the NTA said it wanted to withdraw three other petitions seeking transfer of cases from the high courts to the apex court as they were related to granting of grace marks to 1,563 candidates due to loss of time during the exam on May 5.

What did the NTA lawyer argue?

The NTA lawyer said the matter is now resolved and he will inform the high court about the decision to cancel the grace marks given to 1,536 candidates and the apex court's June 13 order. Amid the ongoing controversy over the NEET-UG exam, the Center and the NTA on Thursday told the Supreme Court that they have canceled the grace marks given to 1,563 candidates who appeared for the exam for admission to MBBS and other such courses.

What did the Center say yesterday?

The Center had said that they would have the option to either re-take the exam or forgo the grace marks. The exam was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centers. About 24 lakh candidates participated in it. The results were to be declared on June 14, but due to premature investigation, it was declared on June 4. After this, the controversy started. On June 10, many students protested in Delhi demanding an inquiry into the alleged irregularities. Protests were held in many cities. Cases were filed in seven High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Why the uproar over the result?

Unprecedentedly in the history of NTA, 67 students scored full 720 marks

This also included six students from a center in Faridabad, Haryana

After this, suspicion of irregularities started

It is alleged that 67 students got top ranks due to grace marks.

Know about NEET-UG

The NEET-UG exam is conducted by the NTA for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.