Modi Establishes Fast-Track Courts Amid NEET Paper Leak Protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts on July 23, 2026, to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks. The decision follows weeks of intensifying protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which allegedly affected 2 million students. The courts will operate across the jurisdictions of the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, prosecuting offenders under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Tensions peaked on July 20 during a 'Sansad Chalo' march toward Parliament, where Delhi Police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse thousands of demonstrators. Clashes resulted in approximately 180 injuries to both students and police personnel. On July 21, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence, demanding the resignations of Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This protest ended when police forcibly detained the leaders, with reports that Rahul Gandhi suffered a nosebleed during the removal.

In Parliament, the Opposition demanded an immediate debate under Rule 267, with Mallikarjun Kharge insisting that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a non-negotiable prerequisite for discussion. The government has offered parliamentary dialogue but refused to sack Pradhan, accusing the Opposition of exploiting students as political tools. While the CJP rejected government invitations to meet at official residences, insisting on a neutral venue, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh met with the hunger-striking Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital to discuss a resolution.