The fallout from the NEET paper leak continues to reshape India's examination system. In a major move, Maharashtra has established 23 special fast-track courts to hear 203 pending examination malpractice cases, including paper leaks, recruitment exam fraud, HSC cheating, and other examination-related offenses.

The decision follows widespread public outrage over the NEET paper leak controversy, which triggered nationwide student protests and renewed calls for stronger action against exam fraud.

The Bombay High Court has directed the newly constituted courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of the filing of charge sheets, aiming to ensure faster justice.

NEET Paper Leak Crackdown | Maharashtra Launches 23 Fast-Track Courts For Exam Fraud Cases

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

The ongoing NEET controversy continues to ignite political firestorms across India, with opposition parties launching a united front to demand heightened accountability from the Central government.


India NEET row: Oppn demands greater accountability from Centre over NEET

Investigations into the NEET paper leak case have traced its origins to a network allegedly involving MBBS students in Kerala. Authorities are probing how the alleged syndicate operated across states and facilitated the leak of exam materials. The revelations have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the national entrance examination system, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and stronger safeguards to prevent future breaches.


NEET Paper Leak Origins Traced to MBBS Students in Kerala