Supreme Court hears pleas of states against NEET

The apex court said, “There was no urgency in passing the order on the fresh pleas and would give the decision after hearing all the stake holders.” It asked the Centre and CBSE to publicise the second phase of NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) that is to be conducted on July 24 through press notes and the Internet so that those who were unable to take the test in the first phase can attempt the exam in July. 

Before commencing the hearing, the top court asked the Centre and CBSE to provide it with data about the number of candidates who appeared for the first phase of the NEET from each state. 

It also took note of the contention raised by various state governments about the language issue, i.e. use of vernacular languages by asking Gujarat Government to place before it the question papers of last two years. 

Just before the hearing, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana cited special constitutional provisions to contend that only the state can have the say in holding examination for MBBS and BDS courses. 

Jammu and Kashmir government cited constitutional provision of Article 370 read with Article 35 A and section 6 of the J&K constitution to contend that it is the state which is entitled to conduct the test and the students cannot be admitted to these courses from outside the state through NEET. 

Further, on the educational aspect, only the state government has the legislative competence and the Centre cannot interfere in it. 

While a Bench comprising Justices AR Dave, Shiva Kirti Singh and AK Goel, was formulating modalities of the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the MCI, opposed the contention of vernacular language, saying that the MBBS and BDS course across the -country is being taught in English.