New Delhi: Amid growing nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will establish fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks. The announcement comes as students and activists continue to demand accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said safeguarding the future of India’s youth remains the government’s top priority and warned that those responsible for compromising students’ futures would face strict legal action.
‘Future Of Youth Is Our Top Priority’: PM Modi
Announcing the decision, PM Modi said the government has directed all concerned authorities to take necessary steps to operationalise the proposed fast-track courts.
“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,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
He added that the decision is part of a series of measures being taken by the Centre to protect the interests of students and restore confidence in the country’s examination system.
Announcement Comes Amid Nationwide NEET Protests
The Prime Minister’s statement comes against the backdrop of intensifying protests in Delhi and several other cities over the alleged NEET paper leak. Student groups and activists have been demanding action against those responsible for the controversy, while also seeking broader reforms to ensure transparency in competitive examinations.
The protest movement has announced a ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, with organisers reiterating that demonstrations will continue until their demands are addressed.
Protesters Put Forward Three Key Demands
Speaking to the media, protest spokesperson Sourav Das outlined three primary demands raised by the agitators:
- Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
- Withdrawal of FIRs filed against peaceful protesters, along with a government assurance that no similar cases would be registered against peaceful demonstrators in the future.
Das described the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation as “non-negotiable” and asserted that the protest would continue until it was fulfilled.
Government Calls For Constructive Discussion
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda appealed against politicising the paper leak issue, stating that examination leaks are a serious concern requiring comprehensive discussion and long-term institutional reforms.
The Centre has maintained that efforts are underway to strengthen the integrity of the country’s examination system while ensuring that those responsible for any malpractice are brought to justice.
Sonam Wangchuk Appeals For Peaceful Protest
Das also said he had spoken with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who continues his hunger strike despite being hospitalised. According to him, Wangchuk urged all participants to ensure that the movement remains peaceful and democratic.
Das alleged that peaceful protests in the country are often disrupted by anti-social elements and appealed to demonstrators not to allow the movement to be derailed.
Clashes Leave Protesters And Police Injured
According to the Delhi Police, clashes during the protests left more than 118 police personnel injured, including several senior officers such as the Special Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner of Police. Several women police personnel were also among those injured.
Police said nearly 60 protesters also sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The announcement of fast-track courts is expected to become a key component of the Centre’s response to the growing controversy surrounding examination paper leaks. The move aims to ensure quicker disposal of such cases, strengthen deterrence against organised exam fraud, and reinforce public confidence in India’s competitive examination system.
