KOCHI: The High Court asked government officials to ensure honesty and transparency while conducting school examinations in the state. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan's observation came inter alia with the order denying anticipatory bail to M.S. Solutions CEO Mohammed Shuhaib, the main accused of leaking the question papers of the 10th class Onam and Christmas exams.

“The sheer joy when taking a glimpse at the question paper and seeing easy questions on it is something that every student should experience. Preparing for the exam, going to write with enthusiasm, and looking anxiously at the question paper you receive when the bell rings. All these are good memories of the exams, and every student should enjoy it. If the sanctity of the examination is not maintained, the students who work day and night will be disappointed. Those who are found to have leaked the results will get an undeserved advantage.” The court also directed that the petitioner surrender before the investigating officer.

The accused argued that he had predicted the questions. However, the High Court dismissed the petition, prima facie finding that it was indeed leaked. The prosecution argued that the accused should be taken into custody and questioned to complete the investigation. The court examined the expert statements and case diary recorded by the investigating officers.

The petitioner posted questions 18 to 26 on his YouTube channel in the same order as the question paper. The court sought advice from experts and found that such a prediction was impossible. The court also ordered a detailed investigation to find the source of the question leak.