Review petition filed in Supreme Court challenging August 2 verdict on integrity of NEET-UG exam

New Delhi: A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court seeking a review of its previous order of August 2, which had dismissed the pleas for a fresh NEET-UG 2024 examination.

The Supreme Court found that there was no “systemic failure” to warrant quashing the exam. The review petition, filed by Kajal Kumari, asks the Supreme Court to reassess and possibly modify its August 2 decision.

Typically, a motion for review is filed by a dissatisfied party who seeks reconsideration of a prior court decision. Typically, these motions are heard in a chambers hearing without the parties, attorneys, or litigants present, and the original jury renders a verdict, often within 15 to 30 minutes.

In the August 2 verdict, the Supreme Court said there was insufficient evidence to prove systemic leakage or misconduct that would compromise the integrity of the exam, determining that there was no “systemic violation” that would require the exam to be canceled.

On the same day, the Court issued a comprehensive judgment containing seven guidelines aimed at establishing a robust, secure and transparent examination system. Recognizing the absence of a systemic violation that would require the annulment of the examination, the Court ordered the implementation of various measures to ensure a fair and secure examination process.

The judgment was delivered by a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud after hearing several petitions by students alleging malpractices and irregularities in the examination. The hearings lasted four days and included representations from the petitioners, the Centre, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and other stakeholders.

The Court ordered stringent monitoring throughout the examination process, encompassing protocols for question paper management, secure storage and enhanced identity verification at multiple points. It further advocated technological advancements to deter identity theft and emphasised the importance of complying with privacy legislation. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasised the imperative for the NTA to eliminate irregularities in the management of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, observing that such irregularities are detrimental to the interests of students.

The Court has expanded the mandate of the K. Radhakrishnan Expert Committee, set up by the government to combat leakage of NEET-UG documents and related issues. The committee is now tasked with implementing seven measures to strengthen the integrity of the examination process. These measures include: 1. Formation of an evaluation committee, 2. Development of a standard operating procedure, 3. Revamping the process of allocating examination centres, 4. Improving methods of identity verification, 5. CCTV surveillance at examination venues, 6. Engagement of secure logistics providers to guard against document forgery, and 7. Setting up an effective grievance redressal system.