PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning announced that the Centre has decided to set up fast-track courts for the swift trial and stringent punishment of those involved in examination paper leak cases. The announcement was made through a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

In the post, the Prime Minister said the concerned authorities and officials have been directed to take all necessary steps to operationalize the fast-track courts. He termed the move part of a continuing series of measures aimed at safeguarding students' interests, and said those responsible for harming the future of the country's youth "will not be spared." 

Background 

The announcement comes amid sustained student protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar for over a month. Protesters have been demanding accountability for the paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

This is the second time in two days that the Prime Minister has publicly addressed the issue. Paper leak cases have previously drawn government action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, a law enacted specifically to curb cheating, impersonation, and leak-related offences in public examinations. Fast-track courts, once notified, would function as designated trial courts for the speedy disposal of such cases, distinct from the ordinary criminal court process. 

What Happens Next 

The Prime Minister's post does not specify a timeline, the number of fast-track courts to be set up, or the states/jurisdictions in which they will function. Formal notification on the constitution of these courts is awaited from the concerned government authorities.