Four Fast-Track Courts To Be Set Up For Swift Justice In NEET Paper Leak Case: Sources

New Delhi: The Central Government has begun taking action in the NEET paper leak case. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of strict action against exam irregularities, the government is working in mission mode. The Centre has directed the establishment of fast-track courts in four states to ensure speedy trials in the paper leak cases, including NEET.

Where will the courts be established?

According to sources, the central government will request the relevant state governments and high courts to set up special fast-track courts. These courts will hear cases related to the NEET paper leak on a daily basis, ensuring that investigations and trials are not delayed and decisions are reached quickly.

According to sources, fast-track courts will be set up on a priority basis within the jurisdictions of the Bombay High Court, Calcutta High Court, Delhi High Court, and Madhya Pradesh High Court. 

What is the law?

According to sources, those accused in the NEET paper leak case will now be prosecuted under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. 

This law, which came into force on June 21, 2024, is effective nationwide. Its purpose is to ensure strict action against paper leaks, cheating, solver gangs, misuse of electronic devices, and other unfair practices in public examinations. The law also provides for severe punishment and heavy fines for those found guilty.

What is included in the Public Examination Act?

This Act applies to all entrance and recruitment examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), IBPS, recruitment examinations for central government ministries and departments, as well as those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Since the NTA also conducts the NEET, cases of paper leaks and other irregularities related to it will also be prosecuted under this law.

What about the FIR?

According to sources, four FIRs have been registered under this law so far in the NEET paper leak case. A proposal is being prepared to establish fast-track courts in 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.