The NEET paper leak controversy has erupted as a significant issue in the country. On Monday, the Supreme Court heard cases related to the NEET paper leak, calls for re-examination, and other irregularities within the examination process. This panel was chaired by India's Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud accompanied by two other justices, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra. Chief Justice Chandrachud discussed several aspects during the hearing, indicating advocates representing the petitioners will argue why a re-examination is warranted and provide a complete list of dates for the centre. The next hearing, as per the Chief Justice, is scheduled for July 11.
Exclusive Video of the Paper Leak
An exclusive video has reached Aaj Tak, referenced during Monday's Supreme Court hearing. However, Aaj Tak does not independently verify this video.
The video shows messages from two separate Telegram channels; one is the official online series from Aakash. The video recording from Telegram suggests that the NEET 2024 paper was ostensibly leaked at 9:01 AM on May 4. Petitioners accuse that the question paper displayed in the video is the same one distributed to the students for the exam on May 5. They claim it is evidence that the complete NEET question paper was available online before the examination was due to take place.
Disclaimer: India Today/Aaj Tak has not independently verified the video. Petitioners appealing to the Supreme Court to annul the NEET results insist the video is authentic and proves the question paper leak.
What did the CJI state during the hearing?
The lawyer for the petitioners initiated their argument mentioning that all candidates had applied for NEET on February 9, subsequent to which the exam took place and results were announced on June 4. The lawyer explained that the exam was conducted on May 5 and questions, as well as answers, were circulating on Telegram on May 4. The Chief Justice questioned when the NTA announced the exam first and foremost.
Paper Leak, A Conceded Fact: CJI
The Chief Justice continued stating the real question is the extent of the leak's outreach. It is an acknowledged fact that a leak occurred. We're merely enquiring how the leak influenced outcomes? We're dealing with the lives of 23 million students. It's a concern for students who prepared for the examination, many of whom traveled extensively for it, incurring expenses. The Chief Justice further inquired from the lawyers about how many student outcomes have been withheld due to the leak and where these students are currently. A re-examination for 1,563 students was completed on June 23. Are we still in pursuit of finding the perpetrators? Can we locate the students involved? Numerous students are affected. Cancelling the exam may be the last resort, pending investigation reveals how and where from the leak originated.
