Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will establish fast-track courts to ensure the speedy trial of paper leak cases, marking his first direct public message on the issue amid nationwide protests and a political standoff in Parliament. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said protecting the future of students was a top priority and asserted that those responsible for compromising the integrity of examinations would face swift and stringent punishment. He added that the move forms part of a broader series of measures aimed at safeguarding students' interests and strengthening action against those involved in paper leak cases.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, demonstrations in the national capital and demands from opposition parties for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government has agreed to hold a discussion on the issue in Parliament but has maintained that the Opposition's insistence on the minister's resignation as a precondition has prevented the debate from proceeding. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi also described paper leaks as a "ghor paap" (grave sin) during a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi responded within minutes to the Prime Minister's announcement, accusing the government of failing to protect the country's education system. In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the Centre had allowed the education system to deteriorate and reiterated the Opposition's key demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those accused of using force on protesters. Gandhi had earlier claimed that more than 150 paper leak incidents had occurred in the past decade without a single conviction, underscoring the need for stronger accountability.

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The student-led movement and protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have continued to press for the minister's resignation despite the government's decision to introduce fast-track courts. Following the Prime Minister's announcement, the CJP reiterated its demand that Dharmendra Pradhan step down. As political exchanges continue both inside and outside Parliament, the proposed fast-track courts are expected to become a central element of the government's response to examination-related irregularities, while protests and demands for accountability remain ongoing.

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