SC Refuses To Interfere With UGC-NET Cancellation; Fresh Exam As Planned

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to interfere with the Union government’s decision to cancel the University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) 2024 exam.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud dismissed a petition filed by a group of 47 candidates, pointing to the broader implications of delaying or altering the UGC-NET exam process.

The top court said that any intervention at this stage will create “utter chaos” for nearly 9 lakh candidates expected to appear for the rescheduled exam on August 21.

The counsel representing the petitioners argued that the cancellation of the exam was based on unsubstantiated allegations of a paper leak.

He also contended that the inquiry into the alleged paper leak was based on “doctored messages” and that the government had no substantial grounds for cancelling the exam.

However, the bench — also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra – highlighted the importance of maintaining certainty and finality for the students.

“How can we now cancel (the exam)? We are not in a perfect world. Let the exams happen on August 21. Let there be certainty for students,” the court said.

“You are 47 petitioners, but overall, how many students are there?” the CJI-led bench added.

In its order, the bench summarised the situation, stating: “The UGC NET was conducted on June 18, 2024, but the Union government cancelled the exam on June 19. As a consequence, a fresh exam is scheduled for August 21. The petitioners have challenged the decision nearly two months later. Entertaining the petition at this stage would only add uncertainty and result in utter chaos.”

UGC-NET, conducted on June 18, was cancelled a day later.

Last week, Supreme Court refused to postpone or reschedule the NEET-PG 2024 exam which went ahead as scheduled on August 11.