Authored By: Kalp Lodha
VIPS (Tentative- Counselling Process Underway)
Case Summary: Legal Challenges Surrounding CLAT 2025
Case Title: Siddhi Sandeep Ladda v. Consortium of National Law Universities and Anr., Diary No. 22324-2025
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih
Date of Judgment: May 7, 2025
Citation: 2025 SCC OnLine SC 456
Introduction
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a pivotal examination for aspiring law students in India, determining admissions to prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs). The 2025 edition, conducted on December 1, 2024, became embroiled in legal controversies due to alleged discrepancies in the question paper and evaluation process. This summary examines the ensuing legal battles, court interventions, and their broader implications on legal education in India.
Background
Following the release of CLAT 2025 results on December 7, 2024, several candidates raised objections concerning inaccuracies in the answer key, particularly highlighting errors in Questions 14 and 100 of Set A. The Consortium of NLUs, responsible for conducting CLAT, faced criticism for these alleged lapses, prompting legal actions from aggrieved candidates.
Legal Issues
The primary legal issues that emerged were:
Validity of the Answer Key: Candidates contested the correctness of specific answers provided in the official key, arguing that inaccuracies adversely affected their rankings.
Transparency in Evaluation: The process adopted by the Consortium in addressing grievances and revising scores was questioned for its opacity.
Uniformity in Adjudication: With multiple petitions filed across various High Courts, there was a need for a centralized judicial approach to ensure consistency in rulings.
Court Proceedings
Delhi High Court:
The Delhi High Court intervened following multiple petitions, including one from a candidate named Advait Singh. The petitioners argued that the Consortium failed to conduct a fair grievance redressal process and had been arbitrary in its approach to controversial questions. The court directed the Consortium to review the objections transparently and consider the academic impact on students whose ranks were affected.
Supreme Court:
The Supreme Court took cognizance of the matter, consolidating various petitions under Siddhi Sandeep Ladda v. Consortium of National Law Universities and Anr. The Court expressed “deep anguish” over the “callous and casual manner” in which the Consortium had framed questions for CLAT, an examination determining admissions to prestigious NLUs across the country.
Analysis
This legal tussle sheds light on structural and procedural flaws in the administration of high-stakes entrance exams like CLAT. The lack of a proper appellate mechanism, ambiguity in key responses, and limited transparency in evaluation have broader implications for education governance. Moreover, the multiplicity of legal proceedings underlines the need for a single-window redressal body for exam-related grievances.
Outcome
The Supreme Court directed the Consortium to revise the answer key and re-evaluate the scores of affected candidates. Consequently, the Consortium released the revised results on May 17, 2025. This decision aimed to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the examination process.
Obiter Dicta
In its judgment, the Supreme Court remarked on the necessity for examination bodies to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and transparency, especially when the futures of thousands of students are at stake. The Court emphasized that any negligence in this regard could undermine public confidence in the education system.
Reference(S):
1. Siddhi Sandeep Ladda v. Consortium of National Law Universities and Anr., Diary No. 22324-2025, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 456.
2. “CLAT 2025 revised result for undergraduate students released,” Times of India, May 17, 2025.
3. “Supreme Court halts Delhi High Court directive on CLAT-UG 2025 marks revision,” India Today, April 30, 2025.
4. “CLAT 2025 Result Judgement,” Careers360, April 23, 2025.
5. “CLAT UG 2025: Delhi High Court says errors in 4 questions,” Bar and Bench, April 24, 2025.
