Frisking during NEET 2020: Petition moves Madras HC against removal of scared ornaments thali, metti
Chennai: Infuriated at the alleged bizarre rules imposed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Medical Council of India (MCI) on candidates appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), an advocate moved the Madras High Court seeking to restrain from asking to remove sacred ornaments like their 'thali' (marriage chain) and 'metti' (toe ring worn by married women).
Already troubled with the risk attached with NEET entrance exams amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the stipulation of a new norm has only added to the tension.
Calling it a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, Advocate S Aravind Raj stated that such a demand was unconstitutional and arbitrary. Moreover, as per the petition, such vague frisking to prevent malpractices leaves students, particularly in Tamil Nadu, in great distress.
The petitioner alleged that in the name of ensuring fairness in the examination, the students are put to all kinds of stress due to the dress they wear. He submitted;
"According to Hindu customs, it should be removed only after the death of the husband. That is the reason even in all international airports all over the world, 'thali' is not required to be removed during the security check as it is a religious symbol for the sacramental bond."
In clarification of his submission, the petitioner explained in his petition that when examination halls are fitted with CCTV cameras and invigilators are always present to ensure the proper conduct of the exams, there is no necessity for such frisking.
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"Just before the stressful examination even calm and composed students are pushed to a very uncomfortable and disturbed state of mind. In the guise of frisking, to ensure fairness in the examination, students are put to all kinds of rigorous tortures due to the dress they wear, especially the female candidates were harassed," the petitioner stated.
As per a recent TOI report, he added that "Married women were forced to remove their thaali, metti, studs, nose stud which are sacramental ornaments for Hindu women."
He further stated that Chapter 8 of the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test 2020 relating to the wearing of metal or ornaments is in violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. Hence it is liable to be declared as unconstitutional and unreasonable, reports The New Indian Express.
