PM Modi Announces Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law, Fast-Track Courts; Cabinet to Discuss Draft Today

New Delhi, 24th July 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Centre will introduce a stricter law against paper leaks, including provisions for tougher punishment and dedicated fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in examination fraud cases.

In a 2-minute 56-second video message released shortly after midnight on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the draft legislation would be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday. Once approved, the Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week, with the government aiming for its early passage.

Calling paper leaks a serious issue affecting millions of students and their families, Modi said the government had already taken several steps over the past two-and-a-half months to tackle the problem.

“Paper leaks are not a minor issue. They cause immense pain to lakhs of students and their parents. We have taken several steps over the past two-and-a-half months, arrested those responsible, and they are now in jail. It was our responsibility to ensure that students did not lose an academic year, so examinations for 2.2 million candidates were conducted in a short period, and the results were declared on July 19,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that the government was not satisfied with these measures alone.

“I have directed the creation of fast-track courts. The concerned departments submitted the draft to me late last night. It contains provisions for fast-track courts and stringent punishment. The Cabinet will discuss it on Friday,” Modi said.

Rahul Gandhi attacks PM’s video message
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister’s midnight address, describing it as an “unnecessary midnight video.”

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said students were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and urged the Prime Minister to remove him instead of releasing a video message.

“Mr. Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Do not insult their wisdom with this midnight video. Remove the Education Minister, punish those who assaulted students, and apologise,” Rahul Gandhi wrote.

CJP reiterates demand for Education Minister’s resignation
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, said the strongest action the government could take would be to remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “Prime Minister Modi should remove Dharmendra Pradhan immediately. That would be the toughest action against those responsible.”

The protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar have continued for over a month, with activist Sonam Wangchuk recently ending his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government. However, the organisation has said its agitation will continue until the Education Minister resigns.
CBI probe underway
The alleged NEET-UG paper leak, which surfaced after the examination held on May 3, is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Investigations have been carried out across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and several other states. So far, 13 accused have been arrested, and the agency is expected to file its chargesheet soon.
PM’s recent statements on paper leak
The Prime Minister has repeatedly described paper leaks as a grave offence.
July 21: Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Modi termed paper leaks a “grave sin” and assured strict punishment for those involved while seeking cooperation from states to prevent future incidents.
July 23: In a post on X, he announced the establishment of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, stating that protecting the future of India’s youth remains the government’s highest priority.
Major reshuffle in Education Ministry
On Thursday, the Centre also carried out a major bureaucratic reshuffle involving 17 senior officers.

IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed Secretary, Department of Higher Education, replacing Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred as Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

IAS officer T.K. Anil Kumar has been promoted and appointed Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy.

Delhi High Court designates fast-track court

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has designated a fast-track court at Rouse Avenue Court to exclusively hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and related offences.

Judge Anu Grover Baliga has been transferred from the Tis Hazari Mediation Centre to serve as Special Judge at Rouse Avenue Court, where all such cases will now be heard.

About the Public Examinations Act, 2024
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is India’s first central anti-paper leak law. It received Presidential assent on February 12, 2024, and came into force nationwide on June 21, 2024.
The law aims to curb paper leaks, cheating and examination fraud in public entrance examinations.

Key provisions include:
3 to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks.
5 to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 crore for organised crime syndicates involved in examination fraud.
Examination agencies found guilty can face a ₹1 crore penalty, recovery of the entire examination cost and a ban on conducting examinations for up to four years.
Offences under the Act are non-bailable, cannot be settled through compromise, and investigations must be conducted by an officer of DSP rank or above.