Supreme Court Seeks Answers From NTA, Education Ministry on NEET Reform Compliance
New Delhi, May 25: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education while hearing a petition filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF), raising concerns over the functioning of the NTA and seeking structural reforms in the examination system following the NEET-UG 2024 controversy.
During the hearing, the apex court directed that copies of the petition be served to the Solicitor General of India and all respondents. Expressing concern over the situation despite earlier interventions, the Bench orally observed, “It’s sad that they have not learnt their lesson.”
The court noted that after the NEET-UG 2024 row, a high-powered committee headed by Prof. K. Radhakrishnan had already submitted recommendations, which were accepted, and that a monitoring mechanism was also constituted.
The Supreme Court has now directed the NTA to file an affidavit clarifying the present status of compliance with the recommendations and the functioning of the monitoring committee constituted on November 14.
The court also asked Prof. Radhakrishnan to submit a separate affidavit detailing the steps taken to ensure implementation of the committee’s recommendations and compliance with previous court directions.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on Friday, with the court asking Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to appear in the case.
Reacting to the proceedings, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson of UDF, said the Supreme Court’s observations reflected the seriousness of concerns repeatedly raised by students and stakeholders across the country.
“UDF remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and structural reforms in the examination system,” he said.
