PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Exam Paper Leaks; Opposition, CJP Hit Back
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will establish fast-track courts to expedite trials and ensure strict punishment in cases of examination paper leaks. The announcement came amid escalating protests by the Congress and the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march led by the opposition, which has been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged irregularities.
Modi, addressing a gathering, said the fast-track courts would deal specifically with cases of paper leaks that have affected competitive exams across the country. “Speedy justice and strict punishment will be delivered to those who harm the future of our youth,” he said, without naming any particular case.
The Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded sharply, accusing the Prime Minister of “harming the future of our youth” through inaction and diverting attention with the announcement. Gandhi has been leading protests demanding a JPC probe into the alleged paper leaks and other issues.
BJP President J.P. Nadda defended the government’s decision, stating that “no culprit will be spared” under the new fast-track mechanism. He urged the opposition to cooperate in Parliament, rather than disrupt proceedings.
Parliament saw disruptions on Monday as opposition MPs protesting on the steps of the building were stopped by security. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear a plea seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest, where some demonstrators allegedly breached security protocols.
In related developments, 16 Delhi Metro stations were shut down following protests led by the Congress and the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. Delhi Police confirmed that six personnel were injured during clashes at Jantar Mantar, after a viral CCTV footage showed individuals targeting police. The opposition group, Congress Jan Parishad (CJP), demanded the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of mishandling the situation.
The government’s move to set up fast-track courts is seen as an effort to address the growing public anger over exam irregularities, but critics argue that it does not address the demand for a JPC probe to examine the root causes and fix accountability.
