PM Announces Fast Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases Amid Student Protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the setting up of fast track courts to handle cases of exam paper leaks. The announcement came in a video message addressed to the nation, as student protests over recurring examination irregularities continued across several states.

"We will set up fast track courts for paper leak cases," the Prime Minister said. He added that the government is pushing a new Bill to ensure "more strict actions" against those involved in leaking question papers. The move is aimed at addressing a growing crisis that has disrupted academic calendars and sparked public anger.

Stricter Laws and Special Courts

The Prime Minister's statement signals a shift towards a more aggressive legal response. The proposed Bill is expected to introduce harsher penalties, including longer prison terms and higher fines, for offenders. The fast track courts are intended to ensure speedy trials and convictions, a key demand of protesting students and their families.

"More strict actions to come against paper leaks," Modi said, without specifying a timeline for the legislation. The government has faced mounting pressure after a series of high-profile leaks in competitive exams, including medical and engineering entrance tests, over the past year.

Opposition and Student Ire

The announcement drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and student groups. Critics termed it a "band-aid" solution. The Congress party and other opposition leaders demanded the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the repeated failures in the examination system.

Protesting students in several cities rejected the fast track court plan as insufficient. "This is just a promise. We want concrete action now. The system is broken," said a student leader in Delhi, reflecting the mood on the ground. The protests have seen thousands of students take to the streets in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Judicial Response

Separately, the Delhi High Court has notified a designated court to deal specifically with criminal cases arising from exam paper leaks. The court's proactive step adds a judicial layer to the government's administrative promise. Legal experts say this could help streamline the prosecution process, which has often been slow and fragmented.

The designated court will handle cases from across the National Capital Region and potentially serve as a model for the fast track courts announced by the PM. However, questions remain about the capacity of the judiciary to handle a sudden influx of cases without adequate resources.

What Happens Next

The government is expected to introduce the new anti-paper leak Bill in the upcoming Parliament session. The success of the fast track courts will depend on their actual implementation and the cooperation of state governments. Student protests are likely to continue until concrete legal and administrative results are visible.