Fast-track courts for paper leak cases
Why in News?
PM Narendra Modi announced on July 23, 2026, that the Central Government will set up dedicated fast-track courts to ensure swift, time-bound trials and stringent punishment for individuals involved in examination scams.
Objective and Purpose
- Expedited Trials: Designed to prevent cases from getting stuck in long legal backlogs and ensure swift convictions.
- Strong Deterrence: Delivering rapid, harsh punishments to create a standard of psychological deterrence against examination fraud mafias.
- Restoring Trust: Aimed at safeguarding students' interests and restoring lost credibility to the national examination boards.
Legal Scope and Stringent Punishments
- Governing Legislation: These courts will exclusively try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 along with other connected criminal offences.
- Severe Penalties: Under the active legal provisions, individuals involved in organised paper leaks face up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fines reaching ₹1 Crore.
- Institutional Accountability: The law permits the freezing, attachment, and forfeiture of properties belonging to any institution or coaching facility found colluding in organized exam fraud.
- Target Agencies: Covers all high-stakes examinations conducted by premier central recruitment and entrance bodies, including the National Testing Agency (NTA), UPSC, SSC, and Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB).
Implementation and Operational Structure
- Delhi Notification: The court of Judicial Officer Anu Grover Baliga has been designated as the "Specially Designated Fast Track Court" operating from Rouse Avenue, Delhi.
- State Expansions: The Madhya Pradesh High Court designated four specific fast-track centers (Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Indore), while the Bombay High Court notified designated special courts in Nagpur and Aurangabad.
- Case Transfers: All existing and pending criminal files under the Anti-Paper Leak Act are being immediately transferred to these specialized branches.
- Procedural Mechanics: Unlike ordinary criminal proceedings, these courts rely on prioritized scheduling, daily continuous hearings, and strict limits on unnecessary adjournments.
