New Delhi: The Central Government appears to be taking the NEET paper leak issue very seriously. Amidst the ongoing indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure strict punishment for those responsible for the NEET paper leak. Action on this front has commenced just hours after the Prime Minister’s announcement.
The government now appears to be operating in “mission mode.” According to sources, the accused in the NEET paper leak case will be prosecuted under the Public Examinations Act, 2024. Furthermore, preparations have begun to set up special fast-track courts in four states to ensure immediate hearings for such cases.
Sources indicate that the Central Government will request the respective state governments and High Courts to constitute these special fast-track courts. These courts will facilitate daily hearings for cases related to the NEET paper leak, preventing trial delays and ensuring that the guilty receive the strictest possible punishment swiftly.
What does the Public Examinations Act entail?
This government Act applies to examinations conducted by bodies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), IBPS, and various Central Government ministries and departments. Since the NEET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), any action regarding paper leaks or other irregularities associated with it will be taken under this specific law.
FIRs registered in the NEET paper leak case
According to sources, four FIRs have already been registered under this Act regarding the NEET paper leak. Proposals are being drafted to establish fast-track courts within the jurisdictions of the Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to hear these cases. Two of these cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Bombay High Court.
The government believes that establishing special courts will not only expedite legal action against the accused but also send a strong message regarding the transparency and credibility of public examinations. Additionally, it will help effectively curb future crimes such as paper leaks and organised cheating.
CJP members continue their protest
It is worth noting that members of the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP) have been continuously protesting at Jantar Mantar against the NEET paper leak scandal. On July 20, a march along Sansad Marg turned violent, resulting in injuries to several students during police action. Additionally, some police personnel were injured amidst the scuffling initiated by the protesters.
While it was expected that the protest would come to an end, a crowd of demonstrators has once again begun to gather at Jantar Mantar. Their sole demand is to continue the agitation until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
