Amid intensifying protests against irregularities in exam system and recurring paper leaks across the country, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on late Thursday night released a video statement, pledging that the Union Government would resort to ‘stricter actions’ against exam paper leaks, signalling fresh legislative and administrative measures. His statements came as protests over alleged education system irregularities continued at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and were spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
PM Modi
His message was the second one on the issue in a single day, where he acknowledged the anxiety and hardship faced by millions of students and their families.
“Paper leaks no ordinary issue”: PM Modi
In his message, PM Modi said, “Paper leaks are not an ordinary issue. They have triggered immense pain among lakhs of candidates and their families,” adding that the Centre had already taken several steps over the past two-and-a-half months to tackle the menace.
He continued by saying that those responsible for the exam paper leaks had been arrested and jailed, while the Union Government had prioritised conducting fresh exams without allowing students to lose an academic year.
Fast-track courts to be formed for paper leak cases
PM Modi further said that he had directed officials concerned to expedite the creation of a fast-track court dedicated to paper leak cases. Adding to this, he said departmental approvals had been secured late on Thursday night, and the proposal is set to be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday before being introduced in the Parliament during the second week of the ongoing session.
Administrative reshuffle
PM Modi’s statements came shortly after the Delhi High Court (HC) gave nod to the establishment of a dedicated fast-track court, which shall hear offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2004. All pending cases registered under the legislation shall be transferred to the newly-constituted court.
Under the anti-cheating law, offenders may face a jail term of up to five years and a fine of as much as Rs 10 lakh.
Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast
Sonam Wangchuk breaks fast in presence of Union Minister JP Nadda
In a parallel development, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for the past 26 days owing to paper leak issues, and for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, ended his fast at Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital after Union Minister JP Nadda conveyed the Centre’s assurances.
While taking his first sip of soup after nearly four weeks without food, Wangchuk remarked, “Hunger tastes better,” and then expressed gratitude towards the government.
Minister Nadda said the Centre is considering refraining from filing cases against protestors of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who had participated in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ campaign on July 20, 2026, and were lathi-charged by Delhi police personnel. He added that the government remains committed to discussions on examination reforms, besides considering suitable compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET UG 2026 paper leak row.