New Delhi: The Central Government has stepped up action in the NEET paper leak case. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of strict measures against exam irregularities, the Centre is working in mission mode to crack down on such offences. As part of this effort, it has directed the establishment of fast-track courts in four states to ensure the speedy trial of paper leak cases, including those related to NEET.
Where will the courts be established?
According to sources, the central government will request the relevant state governments and high courts to set up special fast-track courts. These courts will hear cases related to the NEET paper leak on a daily basis, ensuring that investigations and trials are not delayed and decisions are reached quickly.
According to sources, fast-track courts will be set up on a priority basis within the jurisdictions of the Bombay High Court, Calcutta High Court, Delhi High Court, and Madhya Pradesh High Court.
What is the law?
According to sources, those accused in the NEET paper leak case will now be prosecuted under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
This law, which came into force on June 21, 2024, is effective nationwide. Its purpose is to ensure strict action against paper leaks, cheating, solver gangs, misuse of electronic devices, and other unfair practices in public examinations. The law also provides for severe punishment and heavy fines for those found guilty.
What is included in the Public Examination Act?
This Act applies to all entrance and recruitment examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), IBPS, recruitment examinations for central government ministries and departments, as well as those conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Since the NTA also conducts the NEET, cases of paper leaks and other irregularities related to it will also be prosecuted under this law.
What about the FIR?
According to sources, four FIRs have been registered under this law so far in the NEET paper leak case. A proposal is being prepared to establish fast-track courts in the jurisdictions of the Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to hear these cases. Two of these cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Bombay High Court.
