Journalism of Courage
PM’s move amid NEET rage: Fast-track courts for ‘swift, stringent punishment’
"Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," PM Modi said in an X post.
PM Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed radio program, "Mann Ki Baat".
For the first time since nationwide protests over alleged NEET paper leaks gathered momentum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday addressed the issue, announcing fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice in such cases. His remarks come amid ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with support from Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT)
“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. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” he said in an X post.
The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, seeking fixing of accountability for the NEET paper leaks earlier. The protests in Delhi took a violent turn when CJP tried to march to Parliament on July 20.
EXPRESS INVESTIGATION | Who will be held accountable for exam paper leaks? Don’t bet on it, records show most get away
CJP takes a dig at PM
Following the PM’s announcement, the CJP issued a four-word response: “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign”.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took a dig at PM Modi’s statement “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth” with a meme that featured Dharmendra Pradhan’s photo and a caption “Hi, my name is Nothing”.
https://t.co/mo44rK6tNc pic.twitter.com/kEeHWUMouF
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) July 23, 2026
The Indian Express investigation on paper leaks
Last month, The Indian Express published an investigation on the status of cases linked to 45 major exam paper leaks over the past two decades, in which each exam had at least 1 lakh applicants or candidates.
The findings were stark: Only two of these cases led to convictions. Most of the rest were trapped in legal quicksand or had simply hit a dead end.
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This newspaper scrutinised case records from 2002 to 2025, covering 27 job recruitment exams, 18 higher-education entrance tests, and school board examinations, and spoke to investigators and senior government officials. The findings: At least 1,658 people arrested, 925 charge-sheeted, 18 convicted in two cases, 32 acquitted in two cases, and 43 still in judicial custody. And yet, only a tiny clutch of senior officials faced action.
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