The Union Government on Wednesday denied allegations of tampering with OMR sheets for the NEET UG re-test. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court that no OMR sheets were manipulated.
Government Denies OMR Tampering Claims
Mehta made the statement during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Two students filed the PIL alleging irregularities in the re-test. The PIL sought reliefs including extra marks and the dismantling of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Mehta argued against entertaining claims of large-scale tampering. He told the court, "There is no tampering in any OMR sheet. None of this has happened. Don't sensationalise." He stated that one petitioner's complaint seemed to be a discrepancy between rough work and OMR sheet entries, not manipulation.
Court Rejects PIL, Cites Improper Filing
The Delhi High Court rejected the PIL. The court stated it could not entertain the broad relief sought through a PIL. It specified that individual grievances must be filed separately.
"We find that there is a mixture of prayers seeking relief for the petitioner and other candidates. Writ petition with such a mixture of prayers cannot be entertained," the court ruled.
The PIL was subsequently withdrawn. However, the court permitted students to file fresh petitions. These could address issues like changes in the management of national-level exams like NEET.
Student Counsel Highlights Affected Candidates
The students' counsel claimed thousands were affected by issues like missing marks for dropped questions and alleged OMR tampering. They stated only two candidates approached the court. This was reportedly due to other students' parents not granting permission.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about examination integrity and the process for addressing student grievances related to national entrance tests.
