A Delhi court on Tuesday has given nod to Yash Yadav, one of the accused arrested in connection with the NEET UG 2026 paper leak, to take the re-exam scheduled for June 21, 2026, as well as attend his sister’s wedding while remaining under judicial custody. The court underlined that a person’s right to education cannot be curtailed merely because criminal proceedings are underway. 

The court pronounced the order as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its probe into the alleged exam fraud which triggered a nationwide controversy and led to the cancellation of the original NEET UG 2026 exam held on May 3 this year. 

Court upholds Right to Education

The bench, while hearing Yadav’s plea, noted that education is a fundamental right and that candidates should not be deprived of academic opportunities solely on account of pending criminal allegations. 

In its directives, the court greenlit Yadav’s plea of appearing for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination. It also directed the authorities to escort him to the exam centre and ensure he remains under custody throughout the process. After he is done with the exam, he will be taken back to jail. 

Furthermore, the court also gave the nod to Yadav to attend his sister’s wedding functions on June 22. Similar arrangements shall be ensured to maintain judicial custody during the event, after which he will be returned to prison. 

Yadav was arrested on May 13

Notably, the CBI had laid hands on Yadav on May 13 in connection with the high-profile paper leak case. The CBI sleuths allege that he was part of a network involved in the circulation of the leaked NEET UG question paper. 

The probe agency has been investigating what it described as a larger conspiracy behind the leak, with multiple arrests made across several states. The alleged malpractice sparked outrage among students and parents, prompting the exam conducting agency NTA to cancel the original exam and order a fresh test for affected candidates. 

Moreover, the court, in its earlier order passed this month, had also allowed Yadav access to books and study materials while in judicial custody, enabling him to continue preparations for the examination. 

Judicial custody extended till June 29

Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court recently extended the judicial custody of Yadav and several co-accused in the NEET UG paper leak case until June 29, 2026. The extension has enabled the investigators additional time to examine the alleged exam fraud and identify the ones involved in the purported racket.