NEW DELHI: Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift action against those involved in examination paper leaks, the Delhi High Court on Thursday constituted a specially designated Fast Track Court to exclusively hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
In an order issued by Registrar General Arun Bhardwaj, the High Court said Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya has ordered the posting of Anu Grover Baliga as Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-25 in the newly created Fast Track Court at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex. The transfer has been made with immediate effect.
The newly constituted court will exclusively try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, commonly known as the anti-cheating law, along with connected offences.
The High Court directed that the judicial officer would function under the administrative control of the Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI), Rouse Avenue Courts Complex. It also ordered the transfer of all pending cases under the Act and related offences to the newly created Fast Track Court.
The development came shortly after Prime Minister Modi announced the Centre’s decision to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice in paper leak cases.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister 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.”
He said the move was aimed at protecting students’ interests and asserted that those attempting to jeopardise the future of the country’s youth would face strict action.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, provides for imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh for those found guilty of using unfair means or leaking question papers in public examinations. The law covers examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as recruitment and entrance examinations conducted by agencies such as UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS and various Central government ministries and departments.