Delhi Court Postpones Arguments on Charges in NEET Case Amid Document Dispute
In a recent development, a Delhi court has deferred arguments on the framing of charges in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The decision came after two accused, Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni and Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure, sought the supply of allegedly deficient or missing documents.
Defence Seeks Documents Amid Claims of Deficiencies
Counsel for Kulkarni submitted that several documents were either missing or deficient. The counsel claimed that some documents relied upon by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had not been supplied along with the chargesheet. A similar application was moved on behalf of Shirure seeking the list of unrelied documents. The defence’s assertions have raised concerns regarding the completeness of the chargesheet and the potential impact on the trial.
CBI Maintains All Documents Have Been Placed on Record
The CBI, however, disputed the defence’s claims, stating that all documents relied upon by them had already been placed on record. The special public prosecutor informed the court that the investigating officer was ready to assist the defence in identifying the documents. Additionally, the CBI revealed that a soft copy of the chargesheet and accompanying documents had been supplied to the accused on August 6.
Court Directs Defence to Identify Deficient Documents
The court has directed the defence counsels to file applications, if required, by August 17, specifically identifying deficient or illegible documents. The investigating officer has been directed to clarify the position and supply any document found to have not been provided on the same day. The court has also stated that the defence’s separate contention regarding certain documents relied upon by the CBI having not been supplied would be considered after the exercise concerning deficient or missing documents is completed.
CBI Given Time to Respond to Demand for List of Unrelied Documents
On the demand for the list of unrelied documents, the CBI has been given time to either make oral submissions or file a formal reply. The court has directed that any such reply be supplied in advance to the accused’s counsel.
Arguments on Charges Deferred
In view of the pending applications, the court has deferred arguments on the point of charge. The matter has been listed for August 17, when all accused are to be produced through video-conferencing after being remanded to judicial custody. The postponement is likely to delay the trial, but the court’s decision aims to ensure that the defence has access to all relevant documents and can proceed with the trial in a fair and impartial manner.
As the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case continues to unfold, the court’s decision to defer arguments on charges has sparked interest among those following the case. The dispute over documents has highlighted the importance of ensuring that all parties have access to relevant information, and the court’s decision aims to strike a balance between the prosecution and the defence.