New Delhi, 24 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Central government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive law to tackle examination paper leaks, proposing stricter punishments, fast-track courts and stronger legal safeguards to protect students and restore confidence in India's examination system.

In a video message released late Thursday night, the Prime Minister said the draft legislation had already been prepared and would be placed before the Union Cabinet on Friday. Following Cabinet approval, the government intends to introduce the Bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament next week.

PM Modi described examination paper leaks as a matter of serious national concern, saying they have caused immense distress to lakhs of students and their families. He said the government remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for compromising the integrity of public examinations face swift and stringent legal action.

The Prime Minister noted that authorities had already taken significant steps following the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, including the arrest of several accused. He said the government's immediate priority was to ensure that students did not lose an academic year. According to him, all available administrative resources were mobilised to conduct the re-examination for nearly 22 lakh candidates within a short period, with results declared earlier this month.

He added that the proposed legislation would strengthen the legal framework governing examination malpractice by introducing tougher penalties and providing for fast-track courts to ensure speedy disposal of paper leak cases. The objective, he said, is to make the country's examination system more transparent, secure and credible while protecting the future of millions of students.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also announced on social media that the government had directed the concerned authorities to establish fast-track courts dedicated to examination paper leak cases. He reiterated that those attempting to jeopardise the future of young people would not be spared.

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the government plans to establish fast-track courts to hear ongoing examination paper leak cases, including those pending before the Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madhya Pradesh High Courts. He said the courts would conduct day-to-day hearings to ensure timely justice for students and that similar mechanisms could be adopted in future cases if required.

Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the decision as a reflection of the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of India's youth and ensuring strict punishment for those involved in examination fraud. BJP leaders also said the proposed reforms demonstrate the government's resolve to strengthen transparency and accountability in competitive examinations.

The announcement comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in entrance and recruitment examinations, with opposition parties and student organisations demanding greater accountability and systemic reforms. The Centre has maintained that it is committed to strengthening the examination process through legislative, administrative and judicial measures while ensuring that deserving students receive a fair and transparent opportunity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar