Calcutta High Court Establishes Fast-Track Courts for NEET Paper Leak Cases

In a significant move, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the creation of five fast-track courts to expedite the handling of NEET question paper leak cases. This initiative aims to ensure timely justice amid rising concerns over examination fraud, particularly following nationwide protests by students. The courts will operate under the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and are expected to deliver verdicts within three months of charge sheet filings. This decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement to address examination irregularities, highlighting the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of competitive exams.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 31, 2026, 14:47 IST

Formation of Special Courts to Expedite NEET Cases

The Calcutta High Court has mandated the establishment of five specialized fast-track courts to address the NEET question paper leak incidents. This initiative aims to accelerate the legal proceedings and ensure timely verdicts. Three of these courts will be located in Kolkata, while the remaining two will be set up in Port Blair. According to a directive from the High Court, these courts will adjudicate cases under the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and are required to deliver final judgments within three months from the date of filing the charge sheet.

Addressing Examination Fraud Nationwide

This decision comes at a crucial time when there is a concerted effort to expedite trials related to examination fraud across the country. Recently, there was a nationwide protest by students concerning the NEET question paper leak, which ultimately led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The central government has classified the paper leak as organized crime, raising concerns about the integrity of competitive exams that determine the futures of millions of students.

Prime Minister's Announcement on Fast-Track Courts

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of fast-track courts to handle cases of examination irregularities. An administrative order regarding this was issued by the registrar of the Calcutta High Court on July 29. The order clarified that the status and positions of these fast-track courts will not be equivalent to the 88 fast-track courts that are permanently operational in West Bengal.

Streamlining Legal Proceedings

These courts will handle cases related to the NEET question paper leaks, involving agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state police. This initiative is expected to reduce delays in cases that often involve multiple defendants, extensive documentary evidence, and digital forensic materials, which typically prolong legal proceedings.