Modi Establishes Fast-Track Courts for Exam Paper Leaks Amidst Escalating Youth Protests Demanding Education Minister’s Resignation
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday the establishment of “fast-track” courts to expedite the prosecution of individuals involved in exam paper leaks. This announcement marks Modi’s first public response to a wave of youth protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests have intensified over the past week, with demonstrators expressing their frustration over the impact of these leaks on approximately two million students.
The Prime Minister’s comments followed a brief clash between protesters and police in New Delhi late Wednesday, where law enforcement used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. This unrest has emerged as one of the most significant challenges to Modi’s administration since he took office in 2014, coinciding with the start of the monsoon session of Parliament.
Modi emphasized the importance of youth welfare in his statement, asserting, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” He reiterated the government’s commitment to swift justice, stating, “We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.” This initiative aims to address the slow and often overloaded Indian judicial system, which can take years to resolve cases. Fast-track courts have previously been established to handle serious offenses, including sexual crimes, terrorism, and corruption.
India’s Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters hold placards while chanting slogans during ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India, July 22, 2026. (Reuters)
CJP and Opposition Leaders Demand Accountability
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which initiated protests last month in response to the exam paper leaks, reacted to Modi’s announcement by reiterating their demand for Pradhan’s resignation. CJP leaders quoted Modi’s post, stating, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign.” The protests have been linked to several tragic incidents, including suicides among affected students.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, also criticized Modi’s response, asserting that the Prime Minister has significantly harmed the future of the youth. He stated, “You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it.” Gandhi called for Pradhan’s dismissal, an apology from Modi to the students, and punishment for those who assaulted protesters.
On Wednesday, over 10,000 demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, as CJP leaders vowed to continue their protests until Pradhan resigns. Reports indicated that some protesters clashed with police, throwing stones and plastic bottles, resulting in injuries to several officers.
Escalating Tensions and Government Response
The protests have escalated, with tens of thousands marching towards Parliament earlier this week. Clashes occurred in various locations as police attempted to control the crowds using tear gas and batons. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of 16 stations in central New Delhi on Thursday due to security concerns, marking the second large-scale closure this week.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that their protests would persist until Pradhan resigns. He emphasized their commitment, saying, “It has been 25 days so far. Even if it takes 25 months, that is acceptable, but we will not move from here.”
In response to the ongoing protests, Modi’s government has engaged in discussions with CJP leaders, assuring them that their demands will be taken into consideration. The government has also proposed to debate the issues in Parliament and initiate reforms in the examination system.
Youth Frustration and Political Implications
The surge in CJP’s popularity reflects widespread frustrations among young Indians regarding job shortages and the frequent occurrence of exam leaks. This situation has provided opposition parties, particularly the Congress, with a rare opportunity to challenge Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has traditionally relied on young voters as a core constituency.
The current unrest represents a significant political crisis for Modi’s administration, particularly as it enters the third year of his term that began in 2024. The opposition’s alignment with the youth movement has disrupted the monsoon session of Parliament, amplifying the pressure on the government.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for Modi’s leadership and the future of India’s education system remain uncertain.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-23 10:08:00 • By the Editorial Desk
