The Supreme Court of India on Friday (May 29) heard the pleas seeking the dismantling or restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The pleas were filed by Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the United Doctors’ Front (UDF), in which the petitioners have demanded dissolution of NTA and a establishment of an SC-monitored independent body to conduct the examination in the future.
Calling the situation “traumatic for candidates and parents,” the Court observed, “it is not beyond us, but what is happening is deeply disturbing.”
“Imagine about children who invested so much… so much emotion is involved… years and years of preparation," the Court said.
Ex-ISRO Chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan, who was also the head of the committee formed after the alleged NEET 2024 paper leak, was also present in the apex court. NTA and the Ex-ISRO Chief were questioned over recurring examination lapses and implementation of reforms suggested by the oversight committee headed by former ISRO chief Dr K Radhakrishnan.
“Why are leaks recurring? Where is the fool-proof system you promised?” the Supreme Court asked the NTA and Dr K Radhakrishnan. The Bench also added that it looks "like the recommendations are a failure".
Justice P. S. Narasimha questioned the level of monitoring and implementation carried out after the committee submitted its recommendations. “How much monitoring of implementation has happened? How did this failure occur? Despite a high-powered committee, if this incident happened, there is something wrong either with the original recommendation or there is no proper implementation,” Justice Narasimha remarked.
Responding to the apex court, Dr K Radhakrishnan informed the bench that the Radhakrishnan committee, formed in 2024, had proposed 35 long-term recommendations and around 60 short-term recommendations, most of which have already been implemented.
However, the Supreme Court bench pressed the NTA on accountability and demanded to know who would be held responsible for the lapses. “We need to understand which individual is responsible. Accountability has to be fixed. Responsibility must be fixed on someone’s shoulders. Tell us who it is,” the Bench said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NTA, assured the Court that the agency would ensure the re-examination is conducted in a safe, secure and smooth manner. “A meeting was held at the highest level yesterday. Yes, the buck must stop here. We cannot reveal what measures we have taken, as then the whole purpose will not be served,” Mehta submitted. The Solicitor General also reassured the Court that the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee will be implemented completely.
Mehta has also informed the Court that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation, and assured the Bench that a comprehensive mechanism will be chalked out to ensure the examination process is strengthened in the future.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
