NEET verdict: SC expands ambit of Radhakrishnan panel, extends report deadline

In view of the expanded ambit, the Supreme Court extended the deadline for the committee to submit its report to the Union Ministry of Education — from August 22 set by the Centre to September 30.

Agitators during a protest of the India Youth Front, an umbrella group representing INDIA bloc parties youth wings, over the alleged irregularities in NEET 2024 results, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Monday, July 8, 2024. (Express Photo By Amit Mehra)

In its detailed ruling on the NEET-UG exam Friday, the Supreme Court expanded the ambit of the seven-member expert committee that was formed by the Union government to suggest measures for smooth and fair conduct of examinations by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The court said the expert panel, led by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, shall additionally look into issues of examination security and administration.

The court asked the panel to suggest advanced data security protocols — including encryption and secure data transmission methods — to protect examination materials from unauthorised access and potential leaks.

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It asked the panel to review and recommend updates to the policies of the NTA to ensure that the agency is equipped to handle evolving challenges in examination security.

“It shall also consider the viability of NTA engaging in international cooperation with examination bodies and educational authorities from other countries to share best practices, security measures, and innovative solutions,” said the apex court.

In view of the expanded ambit, the Supreme Court extended the deadline for the committee to submit its report to the Union Ministry of Education — from August 22 set by the Centre to September 30.

“The Ministry of Education shall take a decision on the recommendations made by the committee within a period of one month from receiving the report. It shall prepare and begin to implement a plan of action on this basis. The Ministry of Education shall report compliance with these directions within two weeks of taking the decision on the implementation of the recommendations,” said the court.

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In its ruling, the court also flagged the “commercialisation of education” and intense competition among aspirants that has led to a few towns becoming coaching hubs.

“While these towns or cities may have a higher rate of success than some others, instances of malpractice at such centres should be treated on par with any other instance. All instances of the use of unfair means must be dealt with firmly,” the Supreme Court said.

The court was of the view that “formation of a committee is essential to thoroughly investigate and address the structural issues”.

Ananthakrishnan G

Ananthakrishnan G. is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express. He has been in the field for over 23 years, kicking off his journalism career as a freelancer in the late nineties with bylines in The Hindu. A graduate in law, he practised in the District judiciary in Kerala for about two years before switching to journalism. His first permanent assignment was with The Press Trust of India in Delhi where he was assigned to cover the lower courts and various commissions of inquiry. He reported from the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India during his first stint with The Indian Express in 2005-2006. Currently, in his second stint with The Indian Express, he reports from the Supreme Court and writes on topics related to law and the administration of justice. Legal reporting is his forte though he has extensive experience in political and community reporting too, having spent a decade as Kerala state correspondent, The Times of India and The Telegraph. He is a stickler for facts and has several impactful stories to his credit. ... Read More

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