The Supreme Court said on Friday that it plans to personally inspect the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) headquarters in New Delhi to ascertain whether the systems introduced to conduct the exams are genuinely functioning on the ground.

An SC bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was monitoring the implementation of reforms within the NTA amid proceedings advancing with regard to the NEET UG paper leak case. 

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a high-powered committee spearheaded by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani was carrying out extensive consultations with several stakeholders. He added that the panel is likely to submit its report by the end of this month.

However, Justice Narasimha underscored that the focus should be laid on institutionalising the NTA’s exam system rather than relying on temporary arrangements. 

SC bench to examine manpower, NTA systems

Justice Narasimha remarked that the bench would personally visit the NTA’s permanent office at Minto Road in New Delhi, and Justice Aradhe shall also participate in the inspection. The proposed visit is aimed at allowing the judges to physically verify whether the systems claimed to have been put in place for conducting examinations are actually operational. 

The bench observed while monitoring the reforms, “We’ll come and see whether the system is actually in place, whether it is working or not working, manpower, all these things.” 

The inspection is likely to provide the top court with a first-hand assessment of the implementation of measures beyond affidavits and written assurances. The bench indicated that it wants to examine the functioning of the examination system, including the manpower and mechanisms available to the exam-conducting agency. 

The court further directed the Nilekani-led committee to file an affidavit within two weeks detailing its suggestions and recommendations. 

SC seeks implementation, not just recommendations

Justice Narasimha, during the proceedings, told Solicitor General Mehta that the court had earlier stressed the need for the ‘institutionalisation’ of the NTA system to keep paper leaks at bay. The bench observed that several recommendations, including those provided by the Radhakrishnan committee, had already been placed before the authorities. However, it emphasised that such recommendations must now translate into concrete action. 

The court signalled that it would mull further orders after the Nilekani-led task force submits its recommendations through an affidavit. 

Notably, the apex court had earlier examined the NEET UG 2024 paper leak issue and wider concerns over the integrity of the examination system. In its August 2024 judgment, the court ruled that the leak at Hazaribagh and Patna was not in dispute, while also considering whether the material before it established a widespread or systemic leak warranting cancellation of the examination.