PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts to Tackle Exam Paper Leaks, Promises Strict Action Against CulpritsGovernment says safeguarding students’ future is a top priority; decision comes amid nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities

New Delhi, July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in cases related to examination paper leaks, asserting that those responsible for jeopardising the future of students would face stringent legal action.

In a post shared on his official X account, the Prime Minister said the government remains firmly committed to protecting the interests of students and ensuring accountability in examination-related offences.

Emphasising that the country’s youth are its greatest strength, Modi stated that special fast-track courts would be created to expedite proceedings in paper leak cases. He also said that the concerned ministries and authorities have been instructed to take all necessary measures to strengthen the system and prevent such incidents in the future.

The announcement comes at a time when protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET (UG) examination, continue across the country. Student groups and several political organisations have been demanding stronger action against those responsible for paper leaks and examination malpractice.

This is the Prime Minister’s first public statement since the ongoing agitation over examination issues intensified. Earlier this week, while addressing NDA Members of Parliament, he reportedly stressed the need to engage with students and assured that individuals involved in paper leak cases would receive the strictest punishment under the law.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shortly after the Prime Minister’s announcement.

The protests gained momentum following allegations of irregularities in entrance examinations and intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike. The movement further escalated after Wangchuk was removed from the protest site and hospitalised, with the activist alleging unlawful detention by the authorities.

The controversy also witnessed clashes during a student march towards Parliament earlier this week, where police used crowd-control measures to disperse demonstrators. Several protesters and security personnel reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.

The issue has triggered sharp political reactions, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Addressing the media, Gandhi alleged that repeated paper leak incidents reflected serious administrative failure and called for accountability over the police action against student protesters.

Rahul Gandhi further claimed that more than 150 examination paper leaks had occurred since 2014, affecting millions of students across the country. Responding to the allegations, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the matter is under investigation and assured that the government would present the findings after the inquiry is completed.