SC Declines Interim Stay On NEET UG 2024 Counseling; Seeks Response On Examination Cancellation Plea

In a recent development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to pass any interim direction to halt the admission counseling process for medical programs following the NEET UG 2024 examination.

A vacation bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath has solicited a response from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and other stakeholders concerning a plea advocating the annulment of the NEET UG examination held on 5 May this year.

During the proceedings, the bench, which also included Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, expressed concerns about the sanctity of the examination and the necessity for elucidation.

“It is not so simple that because you have done it is sacrosanct. Sanctity affected, so we need answers. How much time do you want (for replying to the petition)? Immediately on the re-opening? Otherwise, the counseling will start. If you need more time, we will stop the counseling,” remarked the Bench.

In response to the court’s queries, the counsel representing NTA informed the bench about a similar petition scheduled for hearing on 8 July before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud.

The apex court, considering this information, decided to schedule the matter for 8 July, intending to tag it with the pending petition.

The court also directed NTA to file its reply in the meantime.

Previously, the Supreme Court had refused to stay the declaration of NEET UG examination results but had issued a notice to NTA and others regarding a similar matter.

The plea filed by aspiring students seeks directions for an expeditious and comprehensive investigation into the alleged “malpractices and fraud” associated with the NEET examination held on 5 May.

It also requests a stay on result declarations until investigations into paper leaks are completed.

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