NEET Paper Leak Row (Img: Pintrest)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over repeated lapses surrounding the NEET-UG examination and asked the Centre to explain the measures being taken to prevent paper leaks and other irregularities.
A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said it would monitor the matter “very closely” and review the government’s actions regularly.
During the hearing, the bench asked the Centre to provide details of its proposed transition to a fully computer-based examination system.
The court also sought clarity on the safeguards that would be introduced to protect confidential data and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
It stressed that any corrective measures must be institutionalised rather than introduced as temporary responses following each controversy.
“We cannot let this go on like this,” the bench observed while referring to the series of errors associated with the examination.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the government was making extensive efforts to resolve the issues affecting students.
He sought additional time to present a comprehensive and “holistic” view before the bench. The Supreme Court accepted the request and listed the matter for further hearing on July 27.
The hearing comes amid continuing protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy. Protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Although activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after being shifted to Medanta Hospital, demonstrators have continued their agitation.
The protests intensified earlier this week when a march towards Parliament led to clashes between demonstrators and Delhi Police. Protesters alleged excessive force, while police said they acted to maintain law and order.
