The fallout from the NEET paper leak controversy continues to reshape India's examination system, with Maharashtra establishing 23 special fast-track courts to handle 203 pending exam malpractice cases.

The newly created courts will hear cases involving paper leaks, recruitment examination fraud, HSC examination cheating, and other forms of examination malpractice. The move follows widespread outrage over the NEET paper leak and aims to ensure faster justice in cases affecting millions of students.

The Bombay High Court has directed the special courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of filing the chargesheet, significantly accelerating the judicial process.

The development comes after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent. The amended law introduces stricter punishments, including five to ten years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for those using unfair means. For service providers involved in examination fraud, the maximum fine has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, while the debarment period has been doubled from four years to eight years.

NEET Paper Leak Fallout | Maharashtra Sets Up 23 Fast-Track Courts To Hear 203 Exam Fraud Cases

Student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar celebrated after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation but said their movement is not over. Protesters called for deeper education reforms, accountability, and systemic changes, while political leaders, including AAP's Manish Sisodia, reacted to the development. The demonstrations ended after the government accepted key demands following weeks of protests.

Jantar Mantar protest ends in victory as students demand sweeping education system reforms

Following weeks of nationwide student protests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, leading to the end of the CJP-led agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. After the third round of talks, the government accepted CJP's key demands, including withdrawing cases against protesters and considering a five-point education reform charter. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Supriya Sule, and activist Sonam Wangchuk, welcomed the development while urging comprehensive reforms, greater transparency, and accountability in India's education system.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as CJP Calls Off Protest | Opposition Demands Education Reforms

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has officially withdrawn its protest after the government accepted its key demands, marking the end of the historic agitation at Jantar Mantar. While protesters celebrated their victory, leaders emphasized that they will continue to hold the government accountable for education reforms and examination transparency. Political observers are now watching whether this student-led movement will shape India's future political and educational landscape.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation: CJP ends protest, focus shifts to education reforms

Student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it a major victory for the youth movement. While welcoming the development, protesters said their fight is not over and demanded sweeping education reforms, transparency in examinations, compensation for affected families, and written assurances from the government.

Jantar Mantar Celebrates Pradhan's resignation | Students demand sweeping education reforms

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned after weeks of nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. His resignation comes ahead of the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Celebrations erupted at Jantar Mantar as political leaders across parties reacted, while attention now shifts to education reforms and greater transparency in India's examination system.

Dharmendra Pradhan Quits as education minister | Celebrations erupt at Jantar Mantar