Cheating In Government Exams Erodes Meritocracy And Equal Opportunities Crucial For Social Mobility And Fairness In Society: Delhi HC
The Court opined that when individuals resort to dishonest means to obtain leaked examination papers or cheat during exams, it not only undermines the merit-based selection process but also erodes public trust in the fair and transparent examination system.
The Delhi High Court held that cheating in government examinations undermines meritocracy and the principle of equal opportunity which are essential factors to ensure social mobility and fairness in the society.
The Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma held, “cheating in government exams undermines the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunities, which are essential for fostering social mobility and ensuring fairness in society. It perpetuates inequalities by favoring those who can afford to pay for leaked exam papers or engage in fraudulent activities, while disadvantaging those who rely on their hard work and merit to succeed”.
A bail application was filed by an individual in a case registered under Sections 420, 120B, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC). Police had received information about individuals allegedly involved in leaking government job exam papers in Haryana. The applicant represented by Advocate Praveen Kumar asserted that his client was the driver of the vehicle where admit cards and phones in the vehicle were discovered and was a driver, was falsely implicated, merely transporting students to a computer center.
However, Additional Public Prosecutor Manoj Pant outlined Vedpal's involvement in facilitating cheating, citing recovered documents and statements from examined candidates.
The Court noted that allegations against Vedpal include his involvement, along with other co-accused, in leaking government job exam papers in Haryana. They were found with 80 mobile phones, blank signed cheques, admit cards, and mark sheets. Investigation links Vedpal to a network, led by a former Delhi Police official, leaking papers for the Haryana Group-D exam. Vedpal allegedly transported candidates, aided in memorizing leaked answers, and stored candidates' belongings to prevent further leaks. Admit cards of various candidates were found on Vedpal's phone, indicating his involvement in soliciting money from candidates in exchange for leaked papers.
In considering the bail application, the Bench emphasized that resorting to dishonest means to acquire leaked exam papers undermines the merit-based selection process and damages public trust in fair exams. Cheating in government exams can result in recruiting incompetent individuals, harming public service delivery and overall development. Such actions also violate principles of meritocracy and equal opportunities, perpetuating inequalities, the Court added.
The Court, after considering the facts and circumstances of the case along with the fact that the modus operandi of the offense remains undisclosed as other co-accused are yet to be apprehended, coupled with the pending trial, declined to grant bail at this stage.
Case Title: Vedpal v The State Of NCT Of Delhi (2024:DHC:2192)