The Supreme Court today (31 December) ruled that awarding free marks for the three questions allegedly leaked prior to the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination constitutes a violation of fundamental rights.

The court directed the Commissioner General of Examinations to implement one of the three recommendations proposed by the expert committee appointed to address the issue.

The Cabinet of Ministers recommended awarding free marks to all students for three questions allegedly leaked in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination 2024. On 2 December, the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court (SC) that the Cabinet had decided it was unnecessary to re-conduct the examination, citing potential stress for students. This followed Fundamental Rights petitions filed by a group of parents of the affected students.

The controversy began on 20 September, when investigations uncovered the alleged leak. Following protests and concerns raised by parents, two individuals—a member of the question paper committee and a tuition teacher—were arrested. On 14 October, the Commissioner General of Examinations announced that free marks would be awarded for the affected questions.

The suspects were ordered to pay compensation—one Rs. 3 million and the other Rs. 2 million.

In November, the Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing the release of exam results until further notice.