A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of all 13 individuals arrested in connection with the NEET paper leak case until July 24, 2026. The order was passed on July 11, 2026, by the Patiala House Court, which remanded the accused to judicial custody after they were produced before the court via video conferencing.
Details of the Case
The accused were arrested by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch for their alleged involvement in the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper. The leak came to light earlier this year, causing widespread concern among students and prompting a high-level investigation. According to the police, the accused were part of a larger network that facilitated the leak and distribution of the paper.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the accused posed a flight risk and could tamper with evidence if granted bail. The defense counsel, however, sought bail on grounds of prolonged detention and lack of direct evidence. The court, after hearing both sides, extended the judicial custody to allow further investigation.
Impact on Students
The NEET paper leak has affected thousands of students who appeared for the exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has announced that a re-examination will be held for affected candidates. The dates for the re-test are yet to be announced. The incident has also sparked debates about the security of examination systems in India.
According to a senior police officer, the investigation is ongoing and more arrests cannot be ruled out. The police are also probing the role of officials who had access to the question paper before the exam.
