Latest news with #BinodKumarDwivedi
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘We understand the students' plight, but…': MP High Court reserves verdict on NTA's appeal against NEET UG retest
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the National Testing Agency's (NTA) appeal challenging a single judge's order that directed a re-test of NEET UG 2025 for candidates who faced a power outage at examination centres in Indore and Ujjain, according to Live Law. A division bench of Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi heard arguments from both sides before reserving the order. The Court had earlier stayed the single-judge ruling. The bench orally acknowledged the mental stress caused to students due to the disruption, however expressed concern over the practicality of a re-exam. 'We understand the students' plight… but out of 22 lakh candidates, only a few were affected. Everyone cannot be selected. Hard luck, bad luck,' the bench remarked. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the NTA, submitted that an independent committee comprising professors from IIT-Delhi and other universities had found no significant performance difference between affected and unaffected centres. He argued that the exam could continue due to the availability of natural light and diesel generators at some centres. He opposed the re-test plea, calling it a 'second bite at the cherry,' and warned that a retest would delay the entire academic calendar. He also opposed awarding grace marks, stating there is no clear method to determine who should receive them. He cited examples of high scorers from the affected centres, including a candidate who secured AIR 2, to argue that performance was not uniformly hindered. Advocates representing the students, however, maintained that light was insufficient, candlelight had to be used, and no power backup was provided, which is unacceptable in 2025. They emphasised that even a few affected candidates have the right to relief and cited previous court rulings in support. They sought a re-exam only for the genuinely affected students, not the entire centre. The case stems from a June 30 order by Justice Subodh Abhyankar, who noted that the affected candidates were put at a disadvantage through no fault of their own, warranting judicial interference under Article 14 of the Constitution. The High Court will now decide whether exceptional circumstances merit a limited re-exam.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
M.P. High Court issues notice over minor's death linked to Jain ritual
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) issued notices to the Union and State governments, various State authorities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and an Indore-based couple in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl, who allegedly undertook the Jain ritual of Santhara — a vow of fasting unto death. A Division Bench comprising Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi issued the notices while hearing a public interest litigation filed by social worker Pranshu Jain. The petition has sought a ban on the observance of Santhara by minors and persons with mental illness. The plea contends that the practice, if permitted for minors and vulnerable individuals, may be misused by others to 'get rid' of relatives suffering from serious health conditions or psychological disorders. The petition also seeks penal action against those facilitating Santhara for minors. The court directed notices to be served on the Union Government, the Madhya Pradesh Government, the NHRC, the State Director General of Police, the Indore Divisional Commissioner, the Indore District Collector, and the City Police Commissioner. Additionally, the girl's parents — Piyush Jain and Varsha Jain — were also made respondents in the case, following a prior direction of the court last month. Their response has been sought. Advocate Shubham Sharma, appearing for the petitioner, told The Hindu that an interim ban on Santhara for minors had also been requested. 'But the High Court has issued notices to the respondents for now and will consider our request after their response,' he said. The matter is tentatively listed for further hearing on August 25. The issuance of notice is subject to the petitioner depositing the process fee, the court clarified. 'Issue notice to the respondents on payment of process fee within three working days. Notice be made returnable within four weeks,' the Bench directed. According to the petition, three-year-old Viyana Jain, who was reportedly undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, died on March 21 after taking the Santhara vow. The ritual was allegedly undertaken on the advice of a Jain monk, Rajesh Muni Maharaj, whom the parents had approached to seek blessings for their daughter. The petition was moved before the High Court on May 9, following media reports that the parents had been recognised by the Golden Book of World Records — a U.S.-based organisation — which awarded a certificate declaring the child as the 'youngest to vow the Jain ritual Santhara'.
