The Supreme Court on Friday said it proposes to personally inspect the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) permanent office in New Delhi to examine whether the systems put in place for conducting examinations are actually functioning on the ground.
A Bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was monitoring the implementation of reforms in the NTA amid the continuing proceedings linked to the NEET-UG paper leak case.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the high-powered committee headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani was holding exhaustive consultations with all stakeholders. He said the committee is expected to come out with its report by the end of September.
Justice Narasimha, however, stressed that the focus must be on institutionalising the NTA’s examination system rather than relying on temporary measures.
The court said a permanent system with continuity was required to prevent recurring paper leaks. It also emphasised that recommendations made by earlier committees, including the Radhakrishnan Committee, must translate into concrete action.
SC To Check NTA Systems, Manpower On Ground
Justice Narasimha said the Bench would personally visit the NTA’s permanent office at Minto Road, with Justice Aradhe also set to be part of the inspection.
The court indicated that the purpose of the proposed visit would be to physically examine whether the systems claimed to have been put in place for conducting examinations are actually operational.
“We’ll come and see whether the system is actually in place, whether it is working or not working, manpower, all these things,” the Bench said while monitoring the NTA reforms.
The proposed inspection would allow the court to examine the implementation of reforms beyond affidavits and written assurances. The Bench’s observations indicate that it wants to assess the functioning of the examination system directly, including the manpower and mechanisms available to the agency.
The court also directed that the high-powered committee headed by Nilekani file its affidavit within two weeks, setting out its suggestions and recommendations.
SC Wants NTA Reforms To Translate Into Action
Justice Narasimha told the Solicitor General that the court had earlier stressed the need for the “institutionalisation” of the NTA system, saying this was necessary to prevent a recurrence of paper leaks.
The Bench observed that the process so far had involved recommendations, including those of the Radhakrishnan Committee, but stressed that such recommendations should now be implemented.
The court indicated that it would pass further orders after the high-powered task force headed by Nilekani files its suggestions through an affidavit.
The Supreme Court has previously examined the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak and the broader concerns surrounding the examination system. In its August 2024 judgment, the court noted that the leak at Hazaribagh and Patna was not in dispute, while also examining whether the material before it established a widespread or systemic leak warranting cancellation of the examination.
The latest proceedings have shifted the focus towards long-term institutional reforms and whether the measures proposed to strengthen the NTA are actually being implemented.
The Nilekani panel’s affidavit, expected within two weeks, and the proposed inspection of the NTA office are likely to inform the Supreme Court’s further directions on strengthening the examination system.