The PM’s announcement comes amid nationwide protests and Opposition attacks over recurring paper leaks, with the Centre describing the move as part of its commitment to protect students and restore faith in the examination system.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 23, 2026: Amid intense protest over NEET paper leak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure the speedy trial of those involved in leaking question papers.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” the Prime Minister said in a post on X, adding that all concerned authorities have been directed to take immediate steps to establish dedicated courts for such cases.
Calling the initiative part of a broader effort to protect students, Modi said, “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.”
The announcement comes amid nationwide outrage over repeated paper leak incidents and ongoing protests by students in Delhi. It also follows days of disruptions in Parliament, where the Opposition has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged failure to curb examination malpractices.
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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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026
On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi claimed that more than 150 paper leak cases had been reported across the country over the past decade without a single conviction. Opposition parties have insisted that Pradhan’s resignation is a precondition for any discussion on the issue in Parliament, while the government has accused them of obstructing House proceedings despite agreeing to a debate.
Earlier this week, Modi described paper leaks as a “ghor paap” (grave sin) during a meeting of NDA allies, signalling the government’s intent to take tougher action against those responsible.
The Centre said investigating agencies have been directed to expedite probes and ensure strict punishment for offenders, with the fast-track courts expected to serve as a deterrent against future examination fraud.
The issue has gained prominence following paper leak controversies involving major competitive examinations, including NEET, UGC-NET and several state recruitment tests, triggering cancellations, re-examinations and widespread anxiety among millions of aspirants.
The latest announcement is being viewed as the government’s attempt to restore confidence in the integrity of the examination system even as protests continue and political sparring over accountability shows no sign of easing. Opposition parties welcomed the proposal but said it must be accompanied by concrete action, including fixing responsibility for the recurring leaks.
