Congress slams Modi govt as CBI skips first hearing of fast-track court in NEET paper leak case

Jairam Ramesh’s remarks came after the Special Fast Track Court at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court directed the director of prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor to represent the State (CBI) in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case

Published - July 27, 2026 07:34 pm IST | NEW DELHI PTI

The Congress on Monday (July 27, 2026) questioned how the Narendra Modi government can "tom-tom" fast-track courts as a solution to the paper leaks crisis when its own Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) "failed to dispatch" a legal representative to the inaugural hearing of the fast-track court in such a case.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh noted that the Delhi High Court set up a Special Fast Track Court in Delhi's Rouse Avenue complex on July 23 to hear the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.

"Tellingly, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to dispatch a legal representative to the inaugural hearing of this fast track court. It forced an immediate adjournment of the case," Mr. Ramesh said on X.

"With what face is the Modi Government tom-toming fast-track courts as a solution to the crisis of paper-leaks? Its own CBI is showing zero initiative in investigating and prosecuting these cases," he added.

Mr. Ramesh's remarks came after the Special Fast Track Court at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Courts on Monday (July 27, 2026) directed the director of prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor to represent the State (CBI) in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. The direction was issued after no one appeared on behalf of the CBI during the hearing.

Background

• The Delhi High Court last Thursday (July 23, 2026) notified a designated court to deal with criminal cases arising from paper leaks and the use of other unfair means in public examinations.
• The move followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement — made in the wake of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests at Jantar Mantar demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan — that fast-track courts would be set up to swiftly handle paper leak cases.
• The CJP called off its protest on July 25 after Mr. Pradhan resigned and the government accepted other demands of the newly formed organisation.

Court Notification

In a notification, the High Court administration stated that the court of judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga shall function as a "Specially Designated Fast Track Court" to try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and connected offences, with immediate effect.

Mr. Modi said the government decided to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks, and that he had directed concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps on the issue.

Published - July 27, 2026 07:34 pm IST