NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of dedicated fast-track courts to expedite trials and enforce stringent penalties against those involved in examination paper leak cases. The decision comes amid escalating political friction and nationwide student outrage over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal.
Government Positions Action as Deterrent to Protect Aspirants
In a statement posted on X, Prime Minister Modi framed the fast-track courts—modeled after special courts for MPs and MLAs—as a direct executive measure to safeguard student futures.
"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... Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared." — PM Narendra Modi
Government officials highlighted that top testing bodies and enforcement agencies have already initiated arrests and conducted re-examinations to minimize academic disruption for over two million candidates affected by the NEET-UG breach. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda added that the administration remains open to structured dialogue with student representatives to address long-term policy reforms.
Rahul Gandhi Rebuts Move, Cites "Systemic Failure
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi swiftly rejected the Prime Minister's announcement, characterizing legal fast-tracking as an inadequate response to institutional breakdown. Addressing a press conference in the capital, Gandhi alleged that India's examination ecosystem has turned into a "rigged system," pointing to what he described as 152 paper leaks over the past decade with zero major convictions.
Key Opposition Demands:
Ministerial Accountability: Immediate removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for administrative failure.
Executive Apology: A formal apology from Prime Minister Modi to candidates and their families facing extreme academic stress.
Probe into Police Action: Action against security personnel involved in lathi-charges and force during recent youth demonstrations in Central Delhi.
"In the last 10 years, 152 paper leaks have taken place and there have been zero convictions... 7.5 crore students and their families are affected by this. The symbol of this failure must be removed." — Rahul Gandhi
Background: Protests and Clashes in the Capital
The political exchange follows days of youth-led demonstrations in New Delhi, including a "Sansad Chalo" march organized by student groups that resulted in clashes with law enforcement near Parliament. While protesters cited excessive police force against peaceful demonstrators, police authorities maintained that security personnel acted to enforce prohibitory orders after crowds attempted to breach security barricades.
While the government seeks to shift focus toward legal deterrence under mechanisms like the Public Examinations Act, Opposition parties and student unions continue to demand systemic structural overhauls and immediate executive accountability.
