PM Modi Announces Tough Anti-Paper Leak Law, Fast-Track Courts

PM Modi Says Culprits Arrested, Reforms Underway

The Prime Minister spoke via video message to emphasize that the government’s top priority is to keep the academic years of students from being wasted and that holding examinations sooner would be necessary. He clarified that paper leaks were not minor violations but were highly distressing for millions of students and their parents.

PM Modi announced that he had asked relevant departments to expedite the development of proposals for the swift handling of cases through fast-track courts and that these departments finished their work and submitted the draft to him late yesterday. He mentioned that the draft, comprising details about the fast-track courts and stiff penalties, would be deliberated during the Cabinet meeting today, and once the suggestions of the Cabinet colleagues are incorporated, it will be finalized.

In the video, Modi said, “Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful. And that is why, in the last two and a half months since the paper leak incidents, several major steps have been taken. The culprits have been caught; they are currently in jail,” he said.

PM added, “Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced. News of the happiness of successful students is coming from all over the country.”

Opposition Protests Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak

These pronouncements come following relentless nationwide protests against alleged paper leaks in the NEET exam, which have resulted in constant interruptions in parliamentary sessions, with opposition members calling for a discussion on the matter and the education minister’s resignation.

The government has asserted that it has taken prompt action against all offenders, and reforms to prevent such leaks are already in progress and will be expanded institutionally.

Wangchuk Ends Fast After Government Assurances

On Friday, activist Sonam Wangchuk, after a 26-day hunger strike, had food at the Medanta Hospital, and Union minister J P Nadda, Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh were present. Wangchuk posted on X that he called off the fast upon the agreement regarding several provisions of his demands and due to concerns about potential violence.

The Cocktail Janta Party (CJP), which organized the protest in Jantar Mantar, acknowledged Wangchuk's decision but indicated that its ongoing protest would continue until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.