Supreme Court dismisses plea against DMK’s anti-NEET campaign in Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party's signature drive in Tamil Nadu schools against the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) on January 2, as per Live Law. NEET is India's pre-medical entrance exam for individuals seeking admission to government and private medical institutions.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan stated that today’s students are informed enough to see through such anti-national-level test activities. According to Justice Kant, such a campaign against a national-level test with central planning will not affect students, therefore it is not an issue.

The campaign was launched by the DMK, led by Tamil Nadu youth welfare and sports development minister Udayanidhi Stalin. According to reports, the signatures gathered for the campaign would be delivered to president Draupadi Murmu.

Tamil Nadu sports minister Udhayanidhi Stalin began the DMK's signature campaign 'NEET Vilaku, Naam Ilakku' to collect 50 lakh signatures against NEET in 50 days. Udhayanidhi launched the campaign by signing his name against NEET on a digital screen, while CM Stalin registered the first sign via postal ballot.

"By this act, Students get disturbed and later they may have to face the NEET exams, the students may get depressed and end up in mental agony and spoil their career," the petition said.

The Supreme Court also heard a petition from the DMK-led state of Tamil Nadu, which challenged the legality of NEET. Tamil Nadu has claimed that the NEET violates federalism by removing the states' ability to accept candidates for government seats in medical colleges.

Furthermore, the original suit claims that the NEET exam violates the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution because it has harmed students in Tamil Nadu, particularly those from rural areas and students from State-board affiliated schools who cannot afford to attend entrance coaching centres.