In a decisive move to address the ongoing controversy surrounding examination paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite trials and ensure strict penalties for those involved in such malpractices. The announcement, made via the Prime Minister’s social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter), underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of students.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” Modi stated.
While details concerning the number, jurisdiction, or timeline of these fast-track courts remain undisclosed, such courts are typically instituted by State governments in collaboration with the respective High Courts. The Prime Minister’s announcement comes amidst significant public outcry over the alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 question paper, which led to the cancellation and subsequent rescheduling of the examination initially undertaken by nearly two million medical aspirants.
Protests have erupted across Delhi and other regions, with students and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical digital collective, demanding accountability and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and central Delhi highlight the public’s frustration with recurring examination paper leaks.
Earlier this week, Modi condemned the alleged leak as a “grave sin” and confirmed that 13 individuals had been apprehended and detained. The government asserts its swift action upon learning of the leak and prioritization of re-examination to minimize disruption to students’ educational journeys.
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Under existing legislation, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, paper leaks and related malpractices are criminalized, with penalties ranging from three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh. Those orchestrating organized crimes face harsher penalties, including imprisonment from five to ten years and fines of at least ₹1 crore.
The Supreme Court recently engaged with a public interest litigation seeking standardized procedures for investigating paper leaks, demanding prompt investigations and fast-track trials. The Court, however, expressed skepticism regarding the scope of the requested reliefs and postponed further deliberation by a week.
