The Kerala High Court in the case Samikhan S. v. Union of India And Ors observed and has directed the District Police Chief, Kollam in order to conduct an enquiry in the matter of alleged manipulation in the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test, NEET scorecard of the candidate.
The bench headed by Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan in the case observed and has declared that if the court found any criminal offence in the matter, the Police authorities are free to register case and investigate the same in accordance with law, without waiting for any further order from the said Court.
In the present case, the writ plea is moved by the candidate wherein it is averred that he had secured 468 marks out of 720. Thus, it has also been submitted by him before the court that he had obtained the scorecard wherein it showed 468 marks from the local Akshaya Centre and it has also been stated that on being informed that another certificate reflected only 16 marks which was posted on the official website of National Testing Agency, NTA wherein it has been submitted by him that he had not committed any foul play in the present matter.
Before the court, it has been argued by the NTA on its part that the petitioner in the case had obtained 16 marks in the NEET, 2022 out of 720. Further, it has also been submitted before the court that the documents which are produced by the petitioner was not on the record of the NTA, and that the same appeared to be forged or manipulated.
The court in the case stated that before finally deciding the writ petition, an enquiry by the Police authority would be necessary. Thus, the suo motu impleaded the District Police Chief, Kollam as an additional respondent in the case, and it has been directed by the said authority or an Authorised Officer, who is being deputed by the former to conduct an enquiry and a report is to be submitted on the same before the court within four weeks.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on June 30, 2023.
The counsel, Advocates N. Anand, Bijith S. Khan, Rajesh O.N. and Jimnad B. appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
The counsels, the Deputy Solicitor General of India S. Manu, the Government Pleader and Advocate Nirmal S represented the respondent.
