Supreme Court Declines to Interfere with UGC-NET Cancellation, Upholds August 21 Exam Date
- Posted on August 12, 2024
- By Arijit Dutta
- 103 Views
The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the UGC-NET 2024 cancellation, upholding the rescheduled exam date of August 21. Citing potential chaos for 9 lakh students, the court dismissed a petition challenging the cancellation. The decision prioritizes certainty and finality in the exam process for the majority of candidates.
The Supreme Court of India has declined to intervene in the Centre's decision to cancel the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024, emphasizing that any interference at this stage would create "utter chaos" for the nearly nine lakh students scheduled to take the rescheduled exam on August 21.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) dismissed a petition filed by 47 candidates challenging the exam's cancellation. The court stressed the importance of maintaining certainty and finality for students, expressing concern over potential disruptions to the academic calendar.
During the hearing, the petitioners' counsel argued that the cancellation was based on unsubstantiated allegations of a paper leak, claiming the inquiry relied on "doctored messages." However, the bench, which included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, remained unconvinced.
"How can we now cancel?" the court asked, adding, "We are not in a perfect world. Let the exams happen on August 21. Let there be certainty for students." The bench highlighted the broader implications of altering the exam process for such a large number of candidates.
The CJI drew parallels with recent controversies surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 exam, suggesting that the government's cautious approach in cancelling and rescheduling the UGC-NET was likely influenced by a desire to avoid similar issues.
The education ministry had cancelled the UGC-NET examination on June 19, citing potential compromises to the process's integrity. The decision came just a day after the exam was conducted for over 900,000 candidates across 1,200 centers.
This ruling follows a recent Supreme Court decision refusing to postpone the NEET-PG 2024 exam, emphasizing the need for certainty in the medical education system. The court has consistently prioritized the interests of the majority of students in these recent education-related cases.
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The bench's order stated, "Entertaining the petition at this stage would only add uncertainty and result in utter chaos," effectively closing the door on further challenges to the rescheduled UGC-NET exam.
As the August 21 exam date approaches, this decision provides clarity for the large number of aspirants preparing for this crucial academic assessment.
