Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and stricter punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks, as mounting student protests and political pressure over alleged exam irregularities continue across the country.

The announcement comes at a time when demonstrations demanding accountability, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have intensified both on the streets and inside Parliament.

Government Promises Swift Action

In a message directed at students and young people, the Prime Minister said protecting their future remains one of the government’s highest priorities. He announced that dedicated fast-track courts would be set up to accelerate legal proceedings in paper leak cases and deliver stringent punishment to those found guilty.

Modi also said he had instructed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to strengthen the government’s response to examination-related offences, describing the move as part of a broader effort to safeguard students’ interests.

Earlier this week, while addressing the NDA parliamentary meeting, the Prime Minister reportedly termed the NEET-UG paper leak a “grave sin” and said authorities had acted promptly against those allegedly involved. According to the government, 13 people have been arrested so far in connection with the case.

The announcement is widely being viewed as an attempt to reassure students amid growing public anger over repeated allegations of paper leaks and recruitment exam irregularities.

Rahul Gandhi Launches Fresh Attack

The Prime Minister’s statement drew an immediate response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who accused the government of failing India’s youth and damaging the country’s education system.

In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the Centre had allowed educational institutions to deteriorate while protecting those responsible for repeated failures affecting students.

He also reiterated key demands raised by protesting students, including the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those accused of using force during recent demonstrations.

A day earlier, Gandhi had claimed that India witnessed 152 paper leak incidents over the past decade without a single conviction, arguing that repeated examination scandals had severely undermined confidence in the education system.

Protests Continue Across Delhi

The political exchange comes against the backdrop of sustained student protests in the national capital over alleged examination irregularities.

Demonstrators have demanded greater accountability for paper leak cases and comprehensive reforms to improve the integrity of competitive examinations. Public anger intensified after security personnel dispersed protesters marching towards Parliament on July 20, with allegations of baton charges and tear gas drawing criticism from opposition parties.

The protests at Jantar Mantar have since gathered momentum, keeping pressure on the government despite its refusal to remove the Education Minister.

Parliament Set for Heated Debate

While the government has ruled out any immediate change in the Education Ministry, it has agreed to hold a discussion in Parliament on the paper leak controversy and broader education reforms.

With student protests continuing, opposition parties pressing for accountability and the government announcing judicial measures to address the crisis, the debate over examination integrity is expected to remain one of the key political issues in the coming weeks.