Delhi HC seeks NTA response on torn NEET OMR sheet plea

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has sought the stand of the National Testing Agency (NTA) on a petition by a 19-year-old National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) candidate seeking grace marks after she received a torn Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet. Justice C Hari Shankar issued notice to the NTA and the centre on the petition by the candidate and directed the preservation of her original OMR sheet. The OMR sheet for exams is a pre-printed paper security document that contains personal information of the candidate, such as name and date of birth.

"List for disposal on July 8, 2024. The respondents are directed to preserve the original OMR sheets relating to the petitioner in this case," said the court in an order passed on May 20.

The petitioner, represented by advocate Tanvi Dubey, said she appeared in the NEET UG 2024 on May 5 and found that the seal cover, the first page of the question paper of the physics portion, and the OMR sheet were torn vertically. A new question paper and OMR sheet, the petitioner said, were provided to her after a delay of around 30 minutes, but she was given only 10 extra minutes to complete her examination.

The petition alleged that she suffered due to NTA's conduct, as she was denied a fresh OMR sheet for around 30 minutes and was finally provided with a fresh OMR sheet and question paper after an "unreasonable delay". She claimed that she had already attempted 60 questions in the old question paper and could not attempt all questions in the new question paper properly with focus and concentration.

"Petitioner is severely prejudiced because of the act of Respondent No.1, as she was not treated in parity with the other candidates due to the events that transpired inside the examination hall. She was not given an occasion to complete the paper in the same manner as the other examinees, as her OMR sheet was torn," the petition said.

"In light of the foregoing facts and circumstances, it is most respectfully prayed that this Hon'ble Court may be pleased to... issue a writ of declaration or any appropriate writ, order, or direction to direct Respondent No.1 to give grace marks to the Petitioner," the plea urged the court.