Apex Court Seeks Long-Term Safeguards For Examination System
The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over recurring lapses in the country’s examination system while hearing matters related to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The court directed the Centre to take concrete steps to prevent repeated failures and indicated that it would closely monitor the implementation of reforms.
The observations come amid nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.
Court Says It Will Closely Monitor Reforms
A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe stressed the need for lasting institutional changes instead of temporary solutions.
During the hearing, the Bench remarked, “We will see to it that everything is institutionalised,” while asking the Centre to bring an end to what it described as a “series of errors.”
The judges also questioned the government’s roadmap for conducting examinations through computer-based testing and sought details on how sensitive candidate data would be protected if examinations move entirely online.
The Bench observed, “Please tell us how you will protect data when we shift to computer-based testing.”
Centre Seeks Additional Time
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the government was making extensive efforts to strengthen the examination process and protect students’ interests.
He requested additional time to present a comprehensive plan covering examination reforms and safeguards.
Responding to the submission, the Bench said it could not allow the situation to continue indefinitely and scheduled the next hearing for July 27.
Delhi High Court To Hear Internet Suspension Challenge
In a related development, the Delhi High Court agreed to urgently hear a petition challenging the Centre’s decision to suspend mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar.
The matter was mentioned before a Bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, which agreed to take up the plea later in the day.
Fresh Talks Between Centre And CJP Planned
Meanwhile, the second round of discussions between the Centre and representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party is expected to be held at the Constitution Club of India after protest organisers requested a neutral venue for the meeting.
At the same time, the CJP has called for nationwide peaceful demonstrations, reiterating its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
