Calcutta High Court Creates Fast-Track Courts for Exam Leak Cases
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday designated three fast-track courts in Kolkata and two in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to handle cases related to question paper leaks. These courts are required to complete trials and deliver verdicts within three months of chargesheets being filed under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The decision follows an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week that fast-track courts would be established to address exam malpractice cases. This came in the wake of the NEET paper leak controversy and student protests, which led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to the High Court order, Bench 1 of the Calcutta City Sessions Court will have jurisdiction over cases investigated by state government agencies across West Bengal. Court No. 2 of the special CBI court within the City Sessions Court will also function as a fast-track court for such cases in the state.
