Supreme Court Orders NTA To Take Decision by 4 PM on Candidates' Plea Seeking Cancellation of NEET

New Delhi: Supreme Court of India today heard a petition seeking cancellation of NEET UG 2024 exam and a stay on counselling process, which is set to begin on July 6. A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti presided over hearing.

During proceedings, Justice Nath directed counsel for National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure that NTA takes a decision on representation of petitioner by 3 PM today. petitioner h been sending requests to NTA and claimed he h not received any response.

vocate Vardhaman Kaushik, representing NTA, accepted notice. Justice Nath emphasized that NTA should take a decision on petitioner's representation before 4 PM and communicate it to him via email.

petitioner's counsel argued that exam should be re-conducted, alleging that NTA h withheld material information and that 773 candidates h failed without being given grace marks. counsel furr requested appropriate orders and directions on a petition seeking a CBI investigation into alleged paper leak, which was also listed before same bench.

During hearing, Justice Nath instructed NTA counsel to file a response to interim applications for orders, noting that response should be submitted within two weeks and tagged with or related petitions.

petitioner's counsel clarified that y were not seeking an immediate stay of counselling process but requested a pause for two days. y pointed out that main matter is scheduled for hearing on July 8, just two days after counselling is set to commence.

Justice Bhatti commented on nature of counselling process, explaining that it is not an "open and shut" matter. He noted that process will commence on July 6 and will continue for a week, during which applicants have multiple options to amend or modify ir choices. Only after se options are exercised does process enter domain of convenor.

court's decision and developments in this case are being closely watched by NEET UG 2024 candidates and stakeholders, as y await furr directions on re-conduct