Read Time: 08 minutes

Synopsis

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to conduct a fresh examination of the NEET, held on May 5, 2024 for admission to medical colleges across the country, in view of alleged paper leak and other malpractices.

The petition has been filed jointly by Abdullah Mohammed Faiz and Shaik Roshan Mohiddin from Warangal and Prakasam districts respectively, who claimed to be members of an organisation, working for assistance and benefit of the students.

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical courses was held on May 05, 2024. Around 22 lakh students appeared for it. The National Testing Agency conducted the test, across 4,750 centres in 571 cities in Indian including 14 abroad. 

It is the petitioner's case that news of the NEET paper leak erupted on social media and news channels. Examinees expressed anger and frustration. The NTA, however, took a defensive stand claiming there was no such leak. However, Patna police registered an FIR on May 5 to probe alleged paper leak and arrested six persons.

A PIL has already been filed in this regard and fixed for consideration before the apex court on July 8.

When the results were declared, as many as 67 Students received full marks i.e. 720 out of 720. Out of which eight students were from same centre which in itself created a doubt about the manner in which the exam was conducted. Moreover, some students have secured 718 and 719 marks which is statically not possible. That there has no defined logic for the grace marks given to the students as well as no list has been shared as per given grace marks to students. The reason for wastage of time was not disclosed, the plea said.

The process was "sham in order to accomodate students" in an "unfair manner", it claimed.

"Cheating in entrance exams have far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. It can lead to the selection of incompetent or unqualified individuals in universities, which can have detrimental effects on the students who were preparing for the examination for a long time," the plea said.

"Cheating in entrance 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 and the same also impacts the society as a whole. 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," it added.

The petitioners also said trust is cornerstone of the doctor-patient relationship. "If it becomes known that a medical professional cheated their way through their education, it can erode trust that patient and the public have in health care system," they said.

They contended since various petitions have been filed in High Courts, it may lead multiplicity of proceedings and wastage of court's time, so the instant petition has been filed to settle the matter.

Among other prayers, the plea sought a direction for formation of Special Investigation Team "SIT" for expeditious and thorough investigation of the malpractices and fraud involved in the NEET examination and to secure punishment of those found guilty.

It also sought a mandamus directing the authorities to take such effective and meaningful steps to ensure that malpractices and fraud, in particular leaking of the question papers as has happened in the previous examination, does not happen any longer.

Cause Title: Abdullah Mohammed Faiz Vs National Testing Agency