The judgment addresses allegations of malpractice in the NEET (UG) 2024 exam, specifically incidents in Hazaribagh and Patna. The Court confirmed limited leaks but found no evidence of widespread systemic cheating. Expert analyses from IIT Delhi and IIT Madras supported the integrity of the exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) was advised to enhance security measures, and individual grievances were directed to High Courts. The Ministry of Education and NTA were ordered to implement the committee's recommendations to prevent future incidents. The petitions were disposed of with directions to maintain the fairness and transparency of the examination process.

I. Introduction

• Allegations of malpractice in NEET (UG) 2024.

II. Incidents of Malpractice

• Hazaribagh and Patna: Electronic locks tampered, question papers leaked, circulated via social media.
• CCTV Footage: Corroborates findings.

III. Expert Opinions and Data Analysis

• IIT Delhi Report: Confirmed correct answer for disputed question.
• IIT Madras Report: No significant anomalies in score distribution; increase in high scores due to syllabus reduction.

IV. NTA's Measures and Recommendations

• Procedures Review: Highlighted vulnerabilities in handling and distribution of question papers.
• Security Enhancements: Need for further strengthening of protocols.

V. Court's Conclusions

(i) Confirmed limited leaks. (ii) No widespread systemic breach. (iii) Accepted IIT Delhi's findings on disputed question. (iv) Continued CBI investigation. (v) Implement multi-disciplinary committee recommendations. (vi) Individual grievances to be pursued in High Courts.

VI. Examination Integrity and Corrective Measures

• CBI and NTA Reports:
  • Cheating and Fraud: Ongoing malpractice, no evidence of social media leaks.
  • Uncovered Conspiracies: Thwarted attempts in Godhra.
  • Administrative Flaws: Distribution lapses, insecure transportation, reliance on private couriers, surveillance deficiencies.

VII. Question Marking and Answer Dispute

• Controversy: Correct answer initially option (4), then options (2) and (4), finally reverted to option (4).

VIII. Data Analysis and Systemic Integrity

• IIT Madras Analysis: No abnormal mark distribution, increased marks due to syllabus reduction.

IX. Bias Concerns

• Impartiality: No bias found in IIT Madras Director's role.

X. Legal Precedents and Principles

• Cancellation of Exams: Only if systemic compromise, proportional response to malpractice.
• Case Analysis: Hazaribagh, Patna, and Godhra success rates compared to previous years.

XI. Conclusion

• Integrity Upheld: Despite isolated malpractice, no systemic cheating.
• Recommendations: Implement committee's recommendations for secure future exams.
• Directions: Compliance report to be filed, stringent action against malpractice beneficiaries.

Court Orders

• No re-exam for NEET 2024.
• Implement expert committee's recommendations.
• Ministry of Education to file compliance report.
• Individual grievances to be pursued in High Courts.
• Stringent action against identified malpractice beneficiaries.