NEET Re-exam Plea: 'Those Profiting from Paper Leak Wouldn't Circulate Widely,' Says Chief Justice

New Delhi: During the NEET re-examination plea hearing on July 18, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud remarked that individuals profiting from the NEET paper leak would not circulate the leaked papers widely. This assertion came amid heated exchanges between Advocate Narendra Hooda, representing the petitioners, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, and the CJI.

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Advocate Narendra Hooda argued that the leak was widespread and systemic, indicating a significant failure on the part of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the examination. Hooda pointed out several lapses:

1. Transportation Compromise: Hooda mentioned that a trunk containing the question papers was found on an e-rickshaw on May 3 in Hazaribagh, under the open sky. It was received by the Principal of a school, who was later arrested by the CBI. He stated that the NTA's affidavit did not mention this incident.
  
2. Multi-Dimensional Failures: Hooda elaborated on the systemic failures, including the question papers remaining in the hands of a private courier company for six days and their transportation on an e-rickshaw in Hazaribagh, contrary to protocols.

3. Dissemination Evidence: Hooda claimed that the dissemination of the leaked paper began on May 3, with evidence showing solved papers circulating on Telegram by May 4. He argued that the nature of social media makes it challenging to determine the exact spread and beneficiaries of the leaked papers.

Chief Justice Chandrachud questioned the basis of Hooda’s claim that the leak was systemic and widespread. He emphasized that those involved in the leak were likely motivated by financial gain and would not circulate the papers on a mass scale.

The CJI asked, "When was it put on Telegram channel?" The NTA responded, asserting that the video in question was doctored. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported this, explaining that Telegram’s inbuilt features indicate that any changes would be reflected, thus showing the video was circulated after the exam.

Hooda disputed the NTA's stance, insisting that the Telegram videos were not doctored and that the original question papers were circulating on May 4. He argued that the date and time shown were not typical of Telegram’s features, suggesting it was a watermark, not the actual date and time.

The NEET-UG 2024 examination has been mired in controversy following allegations of a question paper leak. Reports indicated that the papers were leaked and shared on social media platforms like Telegram, raising concerns over the integrity of the examination process.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting NEET, has repeatedly denied any systematic failure, asserting that any leaks were isolated incidents promptly investigated. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been involved in probing the matter, particularly focusing on incidents reported in Bihar.