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

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has officially ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Government that no legal action will be taken against protesters at Jantar Mantar. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the anti-paper leak movement, welcomed the development but said the protest will continue until the Union Education Minister resigns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced stricter action against paper leaks, confirming that the Union Cabinet will discuss a draft bill introducing fast-track courts and tougher punishments for offenders. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government's response, calling for accountability over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy.

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-Day hunger strike | PM Modi promises tough anti-paper leak law 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice in NEET paper leak cases, saying that the future of India's youth cannot be compromised. His remarks come as the CJP-led protest in New Delhi intensifies, with fresh clashes reported between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. Heavy security has been deployed, multiple Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and protesters continue demanding the resignation of the Education Minister.

PM Modi announces fast-track courts over NEET Paper Leak | CJP protest intensifies in Delhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcw-chairperson-swati-maliwal-to-end-nine-day-hunger-strike-today-131978">DCW Chief Swati Maliwal </a>has requested the Prime Minister to set up a special task force and establish fast-track courts for hearing rape cases.

She urged the government to create a plan in the next 15 days adding that more police force should be employed in the next three months for handling rapes.

Expressing her dissapointment over the "communalisation of rapes" she also said that suddenly the religion of the victim has become important.

She also thanked the Prime Minister for amending the POCSO Act.&nbsp;

However, she added that the the new amendments awarding the death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age will not lead to any change on ground unless it is ensured that all rape cases are tried within six months.

In her letter to the Prime Minister, the DCW chief has requested him to set up special task force across the states consisting of highest representatives of Centre, states and judiciary.

She also called for an urgent meeting of the Union Home Minister, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Delhi, Police Commissioner and DCW to create a plan for increasing police resources and fast track courts in Delhi.

Raising concerns about the growing incidents of " irresponsible" statements by politicians and people, she said a strict action should be taken against them.

The DCW chairperson was on indefinite hunger strike for 10 days demanding death for rapists of minors. She ended her fast after the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

She urged the government to create a plan in the next 15 days adding that more police force should be employed in the next three months for handling rapes

DCW Chief Swati Maliwal has requested the Prime Minister to set up a special task force and establish fast-track courts for hearing rape cases. She urged the government to create a plan in the next 15 days adding that more police force should be employed in the next three months for handling rapes. Expressing her dissapointment over the "communalisation of rapes" she also said that suddenly the religion of the victim has become important. She also thanked the Prime Minister for amending the POCSO Act. However, she added that the the new amendments awarding the death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age will not lead to any change on ground unless it is ensured that all rape cases are tried within six months. In her letter to the Prime Minister, the DCW chief has requested him to set up special task force across the states consisting of highest representatives of Centre, states and judiciary. She also called for an urgent meeting of the Union Home Minister, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Delhi, Police Commissioner and DCW to create a plan for increasing police resources and fast track courts in Delhi. Raising concerns about the growing incidents of " irresponsible" statements by politicians and people, she said a strict action should be taken against them. The DCW chairperson was on indefinite hunger strike for 10 days demanding death for rapists of minors. She ended her fast after the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age.

Set up task forces to establish fast-track courts for rape cases: DCW Swati Maliwal writes to PM

The Supreme Court told the Centre Thursday to ensure that the fast-track&nbsp;courts that will decide pending cases against MPs and MLAs start functioning from March 1, 2018.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-set-special-courts-for-speedy-trial-of-mps-mlas-pending-cases-26535" target="_blank">Will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs, Centre tells SC</a>

The court directed the Centre to allocate Rs 7.8 crore proportionally to the states where the 12 special courts will be set up.

The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts.&nbsp;

The court told the Centre it had two months&#39; time to collect and collate data of all cases pending against MPs and MLAs across the country.&nbsp;

The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts

The Supreme Court told the Centre Thursday to ensure that the fast-track courts that will decide pending cases against MPs and MLAs start functioning from March 1, 2018. Also read: Will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs, Centre tells SC The court directed the Centre to allocate Rs 7.8 crore proportionally to the states where the 12 special courts will be set up. The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts. The court told the Centre it had two months' time to collect and collate data of all cases pending against MPs and MLAs across the country.

SC to Centre: Ensure courts deciding cases against MPs, MLAs start functioning from March 1