New Delhi: The Special Fast-Track Court constituted under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is set to commence proceedings in the high-profile NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, marking the first hearing to be conducted under the newly established judicial mechanism.
The court, located at Rouse Avenue, has been designated to expedite cases involving irregularities in public examinations. Its inaugural hearing will focus on the bail applications of Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal, who were arrested in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak.
The development is being viewed as a significant step towards ensuring the speedy trial of cases involving examination malpractice, following the implementation of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The legislation was introduced to strengthen legal action against paper leaks, organised cheating, and other fraudulent practices affecting competitive examinations.
The court proceedings come amid major political developments surrounding the controversy. A day before the scheduled hearing, the Chhatra Jagrukta Parishad (CJP) called off its protest after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as the Union Education Minister. Following his resignation, Prahlad Joshi assumed charge of the Education Ministry.
The alleged paper leak had triggered widespread outrage among students and parents across the country, raising serious concerns over the integrity of one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations. The case also intensified demands for stricter accountability and institutional reforms to safeguard the examination process.
Investigating agencies have already arrested several individuals in connection with the alleged leak and are continuing to probe the wider network believed to be involved. Officials are examining financial transactions, communication records, and possible links between the accused and others suspected of facilitating the leak.
With the Special Fast-Track Court beginning its work, attention is now focused on the legal proceedings, which are expected to set the pace for the prosecution of examination-related offences under the new law. The outcome of the initial hearings is likely to be closely watched by students, educational institutions, and policymakers alike as the government seeks to restore confidence in the country’s examination system.
