In midnight video message, PM promises more steps to stop exam paper leaks
PM Narendra Modi.
Hours after he announced fast-track courts to punish those behind exam paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broadcast a video Thursday night that a tough new law was on its way. He said he had received its draft and it would be discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet Friday.
In the video, Modi said, “Friends, I am well aware that the issue of paper leaks is not a small matter. It causes immense distress to lakhs of students and their parents. Consequently, numerous measures have been taken over the past two-and-a-half months following these incidents, and the culprits have been apprehended and are currently in jail.”
“Our primary responsibility was to ensure that the students did not lose an academic year; conducting the examinations promptly was crucial. The government mobilised all its resources to arrange for the exams of 22 lakh students to be held in the shortest possible time, and the results were declared just five or six days ago, on the 19th (of July). While news of the success and happiness of students across the country is coming in, we are not the kind of people to simply rest content with that. That is why I instructed the departments concerned today regarding the establishment of fast-track courts,” he said.
“Working tirelessly, late into the night, the departments have already submitted a draft proposal to me. This draft, which includes provisions for fast-track courts and stricter penalties, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow. It will be finalised after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, and efforts will be made to pass the Bill in the House as soon as possible, starting with the second week of the Parliament’s session this coming Monday,” he said.
More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet! pic.twitter.com/NRysBukk5U
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister, in a post on X – his first public remarks on the row over examination paper leaks that have triggered protests in the heart of the Capital – said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.”
His remarks came amid his government’s efforts to defuse the situation arising out of the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests, now backed by the Opposition which has joined the chorus for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CJP and Opposition leaders criticised the announcement, saying it did not address their key demands for accountability and the resignation of Pradhan.
Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the government would set up fast-track courts to conduct trials of examination paper leak cases.
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Speaking to The Indian Express, Meghwal said, “We have taken note of the NEET exam leak cases ongoing at the Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts. We are setting up fast-track courts at these four courts for speedy trials. In the future, we will do so if any such case arises.”
He said the fast-track courts could be set up as early as this week. “There will be day-to-day hearings in the NEET cases so that the youth are given justice soon,” he said.
BJP leaders and senior ministers welcomed the decision to form fast-track courts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The decision to expedite hearings and take stringent action against the guilty in paper leak cases through the establishment of fast-track courts by the Prime Minister is a reflection of this very commitment. This important step… against those who toy with the future of the youth due to paper leaks will prove to be a milestone.”
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BJP president Nitin Nabin said the Prime Minister had said earlier and reiterated that the NDA government was “ready for any investigation” and would bring fast-track courts to ensure that those involved would not be spared.
“When Narendra Modi ji takes a sankalp (commitment), both the nation as well as the world know that it means taking this towards siddhi (completion/conclusion),” he said.
Nabin said the entire Opposition, including the Congress, was “running away from discussion, because they know that as soon as they come to the floor of the House, their double standards will be completely exposed before the people of the country and the youth”.
Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda said, “To tackle a serious challenge like paper leaks, Prime Minister Modi ji’s resolve to establish fast-track courts and take the strictest action against the guilty is a clear testament to our government’s sensitivity and commitment towards the youth.”
Source: Indian Express
