PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases; Rahul Gandhi Questions Government’s Record
The political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified on Thursday after PM Modi announced that paper leak cases would be referred to fast-track courts for expedited trials, prompting an immediate response from Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who accused the Centre of failing to protect students’ future.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the welfare and future of the country’s youth remained the government’s foremost priority and announced that fast-track courts would be established to ensure the speedy disposal of paper leak cases. He added that directions had been issued to the concerned departments to initiate the necessary process and asserted that those responsible for compromising students’ future would “not be spared.”
“The welfare of the youth of the country and their future is our top priority. To ensure that the culprits in all paper leak cases are punished as soon as possible, fast-track courts will be set up for speedy disposal of cases. Instructions have been given to the concerned departments to ensure necessary action,” PM Modi said.
Rahul Gandhi Renews Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
Responding shortly after the Prime Minister’s statement, Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre’s handling of the examination controversy, alleging that the government had weakened the country’s education system instead of protecting it.
“You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system — and protected every person responsible for it,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.
Reiterating the demands raised by protesting students, Rahul Gandhi called for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students, and action against those accused of using force against demonstrators. The Congress leader had described these demands as “non-negotiable” during a press conference on Wednesday, signalling that the Opposition would continue pressing the issue inside and outside Parliament.
You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.
You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it.
The students’ demands are clear:
1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to… https://t.co/0MK4wPMNiK— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026
Congress Leaders Escalate Criticism as Student Protests Continue
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the government’s handling of the issue, alleging that the education system had deteriorated under the present administration. In a post on X, Kharge said students were demanding accountability over examination irregularities and reiterated the Opposition’s call for Dharmendra Pradhan’s dismissal.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also questioned the Prime Minister’s statement, arguing that the government’s response did not adequately address the concerns raised by protesting students.
The exchange comes as demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak continue at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Students have been demanding accountability for examination-related irregularities, action against those responsible for alleged paper leaks, and reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of the country’s competitive examination system. Several opposition parties have extended support to the protests, while the Centre’s announcement of fast-track courts marks its latest policy response to the controversy. The operational framework, implementation timeline and jurisdiction of the proposed courts are yet to be detailed.