Congress slams Modi government over CBI counsel’s ‘no-show’ in fast-track court in paper leak case

The Congress on Monday (July 27, 2026) asked with what face the Narendra Modi government is "tom-toming" fast-track courts as a solution to the paper leaks crisis when its own CBI "failed to dispatch" a legal representative to the inaugural hearing of the fast-track court in such a case.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Delhi High Court set up a Special Fast Track Court in Delhi's Rouse Avenue complex on July 23 to hear the NEET-UG 2026 Paper leak case.

"Tellingly, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to dispatch a legal representative to the inaugural hearing of this fast track court. It forced an immediate adjournment of the case," Mr. Ramesh said on X.

"With what face is the Modi Government tom-toming fast-track courts as a solution to the crisis of paper-leaks? Its own CBI is showing zero initiative in investigating and prosecuting these cases," he said.

Mr. Ramesh's remarks came after the Special Fast Track Court at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Courts on Monday (July 27, 2026) directed the director of prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor to represent the State (CBI) in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. The direction came after no one appeared on behalf of the CBI during the hearing.

The Delhi High Court last Thursday (July 23, 2026) notified a designated court to deal with criminal cases arising from paper leaks as well as the use of other unfair means in public examinations.

The move came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi — in the wake of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests here at Jantar Mantar demanding, among other things, reforms in the education system and resignation of then education minister Dharmandra Pradhan — announced that fast-track courts would be set up to swiftly deal with cases of paper leaks.

The CJP called off the protest on July 25 after Mr. Pradhan resigned and the government accepted other demands of the newly formed organisation.

In a notification, the High Court administration said judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga's court shall function as a "Specially Designated Fast Track Court" to try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and connected offences, with immediate effect.

Mr. Modi said the government decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.

He said he has directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps on the issue of paper leaks.