A Delhi court has allowed an application filed by Yash Yadav, an accused in the NEET UG paper leak case, permitting him to receive books in judicial custody so that he can continue his studies. The decision comes ahead of the NEET UG retest scheduled for June 21.
The order was passed by Special Judge Ajay Gupta of Rouse Avenue Court on June 2, who said that the request was being allowed in view of the accused’s constitutional rights.
“Considering the entire facts and circumstances of the instant case, the request made by the accused to study further and considering the right and liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, the application is allowed,” the court said.
Court Cites Right to Life and Personal Liberty
The court referred to Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees protection of life and personal liberty except through procedure established by law.
Judge Gupta noted that the accused must be allowed to continue his education while in custody, subject to jail rules and security checks.
However, the court also imposed strict conditions for the supply and use of books inside jail premises.
Conditions Set by Court for Study Material
The court directed that Yadav must first submit a list of books required for his studies. These books can be provided by his family members or authorised lawyer to the jail authorities.
“All books shall be subject to security checks as per the Jail Manual. Any material found objectionable, explicit, or a security risk shall be confiscated,” the order stated.
The court further said that the accused must comply with all jail rules regarding possession of study material inside prison.
The Jail Superintendent has been directed to ensure that only approved books are allowed inside after proper verification.
Defence Says Accused Is NEET Aspirant
Yadav’s counsel argued that he is a 20-year-old student of Uttarakhand Ayurveda University and had appeared for the NEET UG examination conducted on May 3, which was later cancelled.
His lawyer stated that he wanted to continue his education and use his time in custody productively by studying subject books and notes.
CBI Allegations in Paper Leak Case
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, Yash Yadav allegedly received leaked NEET UG question papers in PDF format through Telegram.
The agency further alleged that he sold the leaked papers for around ₹10 lakh and played a key role in circulating them among other accused.
The investigation in the NEET UG paper leak case is still ongoing, while Yadav remains in judicial custody.
