Just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts for swift action in exam paper leak cases, the Delhi High Court on Thursday constituted a special fast-track court to hear cases registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. This court will exclusively hear matters related to this Act.
Appointment of Special Judge
According to an order issued by High Court Registrar General Arun Bhardwaj, and acting on the instructions of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, Anu Grover Baliga has been appointed as Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-25 at the newly constituted fast-track court in the Rouse Avenue Court complex, with immediate effect.
Transfer of All Pending Cases
The High Court directed that this judicial officer would function under the administrative control of the Principal District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI) at the Rouse Avenue Court complex. Furthermore, orders have been issued to transfer all pending cases—and matters connected to them—filed under the Act to this new fast-track court.
Announcement by Prime Minister Modi
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on the social media platform ‘X’ that the future and well-being of the youth are the top priority. He mentioned that a decision had been taken to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. He also instructed the concerned officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government is committed to protecting the interests of students and that strict action will be taken against those who jeopardise the future of the country’s youth.
Provisions of the Act
Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, those found guilty of leaking question papers or using unfair means face a maximum imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh. Apart from the National Testing Agency (NTA), this law applies to recruitment and entrance examinations conducted by the UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS, and various ministries and departments of the Central Government.
