NEET Paper Leak Row: The Supreme Court on Friday, while hearing the NEET paper leak case, asked the centre to take necessary steps to put an end to the series of errors. The apex court further sought details on the exact roadmap to shift completely to computer-based testing. While questioning the centre over the repeated irregularities in the exam, the court asked how it is planning to ensure data security if the examination were conducted online.
SC Seeks Answer On Data Protection
A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, upon pointing out to the repeated irregularities, questioned the details of data protection. "Please tell us what you are doing to shift completely to an online mode. Please tell us how you will protect data when we shift to computer-based testing," the bench said.
Need Additional Time: Centre
While responding to these concerns, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought additional time to present a "holistic view" of the government's position before the court. The bench further stated that it would monitor the issue "very closely" and would follow it up on frequent basis. "We will see to it that everything is institutionalised," the bench said.
The court further stated that the current system cannot continue like this, adding that the centre must put end to the errors. "We cannot let this go on like this," the top court said. The court further listed the matter for hearing on July 27.
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Justice Narasimha, during the hearing, noted that the deployment of the Indian Air Force to ensure safe transportation of question papers cannot be a permanent solution. The bench later accepted SG Mehta's assurance that a fresh affidavit would be submitted soon.
The hearing was held amid the ongoing students protest across the country over the paper leaks. The Cockroach Janata Party, a satirist social media page later turned into a movement, has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.