Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Thursday that the administration will establish fast-track courts to handle paper leak cases, responding to mounting pressure over alleged cheating in the NEET-UG examination. The move comes as student protests continue and opposition lawmakers demand accountability from top ministers.
Fast-Track Courts and Swift Justice
In a post on X, Modi said protecting young people’s welfare remained his government’s main concern. He outlined a series of steps meant to shield students from exam-related fraud.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure strict and immediate punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard,” the Prime Minister wrote.
He added that those who attempt to harm students’ futures would face serious consequences. The announcement marks the latest in a string of measures the Centre has taken regarding examination integrity.
Protests at Jantar Mantar
The decision follows weeks of demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where students have gathered to demand answers about the alleged paper leak. The protests have drawn attention from opposition parties looking to capitalize on public frustration.
Related: Why Enterprises Cannot Ignore Cloud Optimization In 2025
At a recent NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Modi called paper leaks a “ghor paap,” a grave sin, and stressed that strict action would be taken against those who tamper with examinations. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister believes the issue should not become a matter of partisan debate.
“The Neet paper leak should not become an issue of partisan politics,” Rijiju quoted Modi as saying, describing it instead as a national concern affecting students across multiple states.
The examination, administered by the National Testing Agency, serves as the primary entrance test for medical colleges across India. Any breach in its integrity affects thousands of aspiring doctors each year, making the stakes particularly high for families who invest substantially in preparation and coaching.
Opposition Response and Political Attacks
Opposition leaders wasted no time in dismissing the announcement. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the government of failing to protect students and called Modi’s statement inadequate.
“You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most,” Gandhi wrote on X. He escalated his criticism further, claiming the administration had allowed the “total capture and destruction of our education system” while shielding those responsible.
Related: Nigeria to vet cloud data handlers
Gandhi also repeated the opposition’s list of demands: remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, issue a formal apology to affected students, and take action against security personnel who allegedly assaulted protesters.
Earlier this week, Gandhi led a march toward the Prime Minister’s residence alongside Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The protest sought the resignations of Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Pradhan.
The demonstration ended in chaos when protesters clashed with security forces. Several opposition leaders, including Yadav, were briefly detained before being released. Videos of the confrontation circulated widely on social media, fueling further anger among student groups.
Despite the Centre’s commitment to fast-track courts, opposition parties show no signs of easing their pressure. They argue that ministerial accountability remains essential and that structural reforms alone will not restore public confidence in the examination system.