Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Question Paper Leak Cases

Dragon Media News Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite trials in question paper leak cases, as student protests intensify in New Delhi and heated exchanges continue between the government and opposition parties in the Indian Parliament.

In a post on the social media platform X on Thursday morning, Modi said nothing was more important to the government than the welfare and future of the country’s youth.

He said the government had decided to establish fast-track courts to ensure the swift prosecution and stringent punishment of those involved in leaking examination papers.

Modi said he had instructed the relevant government agencies and officials to take all necessary steps to implement the decision. However, details concerning the number of courts, their jurisdiction, the establishment process and the date on which they will begin operating have not yet been made public.

According to the prime minister, the decision is part of a broader series of measures taken by the government to bring those responsible for question paper leaks to justice and protect the interests of students.

He reiterated that no one attempting to harm the future of young people would be spared.

Students have been protesting in New Delhi for several weeks against question paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the examination system. Demonstrators have demanded a fair and credible examination process, accountability for the failures and legal action against those responsible.

Clashes have also been reported between protesters and police during the demonstrations. Opposition parties have criticised the police response and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with a detailed parliamentary debate on the question paper leak controversy.

Opposition lawmakers, including Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, have accused the government of failing to provide adequate answers on the issue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said the government is prepared for discussion, but Parliament must be allowed to function without disruption.

India had previously introduced strict legal provisions to prevent the use of unfair means in public examinations. Modi’s latest announcement appears intended to accelerate the hearing of cases registered under the existing law.

The decision addresses one of the protesters’ principal demands for swift action against those responsible. However, the government has not changed its position on other demands concerning political accountability, wider reform of the examination system and the resignation of the education minister.