SC asserts strictness on NEET-UG dispute, says even 0.001% negligence must be fully addressed
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK New Delhi, June 18: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that even if there is negligence of…
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, June 18: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that even if there is negligence of 0.001 percent from any side in the conduct of NEET-UG 2024 examination, it should be completely dealt with.
The court stated that students have to work hard during the preparation for these exams. It said that cases related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate level)-2024 (NEET-UG, 2024) should not be considered adversarial.
SC calls for accountability in NEET-UG 2024 exam handling
Justices Vikram Nath and S.V. Bhatti’s vacation bench of the Supreme Court directed lawyers representing the Central Government and the National Testing Agency (NTA), stating that any negligence, even if it is 0.001 percent, must be fully addressed.
“If there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with. All these matters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation,” the bench stated.
The bench was hearing two separate petitions related to various complaints, including granting grace marks to students in the May 5 examination.
The bench remarked that everyone knows how much effort students put into preparing for these exams, emphasizing the consequences of dishonest practices in the medical profession for society. It said, imagine that a person who cheats the system becomes a doctor. How much dangerous it is for the society.
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Addressing NTA’s lawyers, the bench asked them to remain firm in their responsibility of conducting the exams, stating that if there are any errors, they must acknowledge and take action against them, which should at least restore confidence in their operations.
“If there is a mistake, say yes, this is a mistake, and this is the action we are going to take. At least that inspires confidence in your performance,” the bench stated.
SC directs NTA and Centre to file replies on new petitions within two weeks
Emphasizing prompt action by officials, the Supreme Court directed that these petitions, along with other pending ones, will be heard on July 8. These include demands for directives to conduct the exams afresh.
The Court stated that the NTA and the Central Government must file their responses within two weeks on these new petitions.
When an advocate representing some petitioners raised an issue related to a question asked in the exam, the bench responded by saying that the NTA and the government will provide answers. It added that they first want to understand the purpose of the arguments presented and are prepared to sit until evening on these matters.
NTA cancelled grace marks of 1563 students
Amid the growing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination, the NTA informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that the decision to award grace marks to 1,563 candidates for NEET-UG 2024 has been revoked. These candidates will now have the option to retake the exam on June 23.
Those students who do not wish to reappear for the exam will retain their original scores without grace marks. Furthermore, the results of this exam will be announced on June 30.
