The Delhi High Court on Thursday, 23 July constituted a specially designated Fast Track Court to exclusively try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 — hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Centre's decision to establish such courts for swift and stringent punishment in paper leak cases. The move marks the first concrete judicial step in a broader national push to crack down on examination fraud.

What the Delhi High Court Ordered

In an order issued by the Registrar General, the Delhi High Court stated that Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya has directed the posting of judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga as Special CBI Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) at the newly created Fast Track Court, to be housed at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex.

The court will operate under the administrative control of the Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special CBI Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) at Rouse Avenue. Crucially, all pending cases registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and connected offences have been transferred to the new court with immediate effect.

PM Modi's Announcement and X Post

The judicial action followed directly from Prime Minister Modi's statement earlier on Thursday. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said: '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. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard.'

Modi framed the measure as part of the Union government's commitment to safeguarding students' futures, warning that those attempting to harm the country's youth would not be spared.

Four More Courts Being Set Up Nationwide

The Centre has also initiated the process of establishing similar fast-track courts in other states, according to reports. On a priority basis, four fast-track courts are being constituted within the jurisdictions of the Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts. The Centre is expected to formally request the concerned state governments and High Courts to constitute these courts, with a mandate for daily hearings and speedy disposal of cases.

Those accused in the NEET paper leak case will be prosecuted under the same anti-cheating law. Convictions under the Act carry imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of ₹10 lakh. The law also covers paper leaks and unfair means relating to examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS, Central government ministries and departments, and all entrance and recruitment examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Government-Student Dialogue at an Impasse

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said the Union government had made four formal proposals for dialogue with protesting students over the preceding 24 hours, but they had remained, in his words, 'unresponsive and uncommunicative.' Singh said the government had approached protesters with 'utmost humility' and that its doors remained 'open 24x7' for talks on all issues, including NEET.

He added that Union Minister J.P. Nadda, designated as the government's interlocutor, was prepared to meet students at his office or residence at a time of their choosing. Protests led by students under the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) banner have continued at Jantar Mantar for more than a month, with consultations so far failing to yield a breakthrough.

What Comes Next

With the Delhi fast-track court now operational and the Centre pushing for similar courts in three other High Court jurisdictions, the judicial framework for prosecuting paper leak cases is taking shape rapidly. The pace at which the first hearings are scheduled — and whether daily proceedings are enforced — will be the critical test of whether this institutional response translates into the 'swift justice' the Prime Minister has promised.