The government has started the process of establishing fast-track courts to ensure quick trials and strict penalties for individuals involved in paper leaks, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement. Those implicated in the NEET paper leak will be prosecuted under the new ‘anti-cheating’ law, specifically the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Sources revealed that the Central Government is working towards setting up fast-track courts in four states. Offenders found guilty and convicted under the Act could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of Rs 10 lakh. Presently, there are approximately four pending cases in High Courts, which will now be transferred to these fast-track courts.
The Central Government is expected to formally request the respective states and High Courts to establish special fast-track courts for these cases, ensuring daily hearings and swift resolutions. Given that NEET is overseen by the NTA, cases related to paper leaks and malpractices will be governed by this law.
Under this Act, four FIRs have already been lodged concerning the NEET paper leak. To expedite proceedings, four fast-track courts are being prioritized within the jurisdictions of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to handle these cases, with two falling under the Bombay High Court’s jurisdiction.
The new law will extend its coverage to other paper leaks in various exams, including UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS, and recruitment exams for Central Government ministries, departments, and all NTA-conducted entrance and recruitment exams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the government’s commitment to the youth by announcing the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure accountability and severe punishment for wrongdoers.
