Delhi High Court Creates Fast-Track Court for Exam Paper Leak Trials

The Delhi High Court has designated a special fast-track court to exclusively handle criminal cases related to question paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations.

A notification issued by the High Court on Thursday stated that the court of judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga has been notified as a 'Specially Designated Fast Track Court' to try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with connected offences. The designation takes immediate effect.

The special court will function from the Rouse Avenue Court Complex in Delhi. Judge Baliga was earlier serving as the judge-in-charge of the Mediation Centre in the Central District at Tis Hazari Courts.

The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement earlier on Thursday that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure expeditious trials in paper leak cases. In a statement on social media, Mr. Modi said the government had decided to set up fast-track courts 'to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks'. He added that he had directed concerned authorities to take all necessary steps, describing the move as part of the government's efforts to safeguard students' interests.

'Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,' the Prime Minister said.

The announcement came amid widespread protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, with students demanding action against those responsible. The government has maintained that it is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in public examinations.