New Delhi- In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a lawyer against the government’s decision to cancel the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET 2022).

The decision was held by a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The bench noted that the PIL was filed by a lawyer rather than a candidate directly affected by the exam’s cancellation. It further held that the court was not required to stay the proposed re-examination of the UGC-NET until the CBI completes its investigation into the paper leak allegations.

The UGC-NET 2022 was originally scheduled for June 2022 but was cancelled on June 19, 2022 by the Centre after an alleged question paper leak. The Centre had committed to conducting an investigation into the allegations and the hearing was held by the Supreme Court on Monday.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Chandrachud questioned the petitioner’s standing, stating, “Why are you (lawyer) coming? Let the students come here themselves.” The court emphasized that its dismissal of the plea would not prevent any affected candidate from seeking relief independently.

The PIL, filed by advocate Ujjowal Gaur, had sought to stay the proposed re-examination of the UGC-NET until the CBI completed its investigation into the paper leak allegations. However, the bench ruled, “While dismissing the plea, we note that we have not foreclosed the right of any affected candidate to approach the Court. Dismissed.”