Madhya Pradesh has emerged as one of the Indian states to have formed fast-track courts to exclusively hear cases related to examination paper leaks and other public examination offences, officials said on Saturday.

Following Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s announcement and MP Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav’s reiteration of the development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court (HC) has set up four fast-track courts across the state, which have been directed to complete trials and pronounce verdicts within three months of the filing of a chargesheet. 

The development has surfaced amid nationwide outrage over recurring exam paper leaks and follows the Union Government’s recent announcement that fast-track courts shall be established across India to expedite hearing in cases involving exam fraud, including the NEET UG 2026 paper leak. 

Widespread protests by students and the online satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party demanding greater accountability, as well as transparency in the country’s examination system (CJP) also fuelled the decision. 

HC designates four special courts

Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia on Friday designated one District and Additional Sessions Court each in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior as special fast-track courts. These courts shall hear offences registered under the Lok Pariksha (Anuchit Sadhano Ka Nivaran) Adhiniyam, 2024, along with other related criminal offences linked to examination malpractice. 

Notably, a day earlier, MP CM Dr Yadav had announced that dedicated fast-track courts would be laid in the four major cities to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment for people involved in paper leak practices. 

As per an official government statement, the judges appointed to preside over the special courts are, namely, Praveen Patel (18th District and Additional Sessions Judge, Bhopal), Vishal Akhand (8th District and Additional Sessions Judge, Gwalior), Anand Kumar Sehlam( 27th District and Additional Sessions Judge, Jabalpur) and Dr Shubhra Singh (26th District and Additional Sessions Judge, Indore). 

3-month deadline allotted for disposal of cases

The MP HC has directed the respective Principal District and Sessions Judges to ensure that the designated courts make every possible effort to conclude trials and deliver judgments within three months from the date the chargesheet is filed. 

The special courts will adjudicate offices under the Lok Pariksha (Anuchit Sadhano Ka Nivaran )Adhiniyam, 2024, relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other connected cases investigated by agencies authorised or referred by State or Central Governments. 

Each fast-track court will also exercise jurisdiction over neighbouring districts assigned to it, aimed at strengthening the judicial mechanism further. This shall enable the efficient disposal of cases across Madhya Pradesh.