"Fast-track courts, day-to-day hearings, time-bound investigations," Law Minister Arjun Meghwal highlights new draft law to tackle paper leaks
New Delhi, July 24
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday said that the government's decision to conduct day-to-day hearings through fast-track courts in paper leak cases would ensure speedy trials and timely justice for the youth.
Meghwal said the issue of paper leaks was discussed on Thursday and termed the government's decision a significant step towards ensuring justice. The law minister also highlighted some of the points that the governments proposed new draft law would contain.
"The decision taken by the Prime Minister yesterday that cases related to paper leaks pending in courts will be heard in specially designated fast-track courts is a significant one. This will involve day-to-day hearings, speedy trials, and time-bound investigations, which will provide justice to the youth. This is a major decision. In the same process, discussions continued all day yesterday.
The Minister said climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike and highlighted that the government has been in continuous communication, and further discussions are expected.
"Sonam Wangchuk also ended his hunger strike. The government is consistently sensitive and engaging in dialogue; there are signs of further dialogue today as well," he said.
Appealing to the Opposition to allow Parliament proceedings to function, Meghwal said important bills are scheduled to be discussed during the session. Responding to demands for a discussion on paper leaks in Parliament, Meghwal said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had already made it clear that the government was ready for a discussion.
"We would again request the opposition to allow the parliamentary proceedings to continue so that important bills can be discussed. If you want a discussion on paper leaks first, our Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, has already said that we can discuss paper leaks first. Now, they are referring to rules, saying "do it on 267" in the Rajya Sabha, and they are stuck on "56" here. It's a matter of discussion, so why are conditions being imposed? Discuss it, and do it in totality. How many states had paper leaks, what actions were taken, who were involved--discuss all of this. It will come before the country, and that's what the government wants," the law minister said.
Earlier, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav criticised the Opposition for adopting an "aggressive stance" over the NEET issue and said that the concerns raised by them could have been discussed through the Business Advisory Committee and subsequently on the floor of Parliament.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav said the government had invited the Opposition for a discussion and urged it to avoid "unnecessary politics" and instead engage in dialogue on the future of students and the country's education system.
"I believe the Opposition should not resort to unnecessary politics, stir up excitement, and exploit circumstances for small political gains. Parliament is a major forum where a full discussion should take place," Yadav said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Day-to-day hearings and time-bound investigations sound good on paper, but what about the actual investigation quality? Mere speed won't help if the investigation is shoddy. Need to ensure the CBI and state police work together properly. The youth deserve thorough justice, not just quick verdicts.
Good move by the government, but I still feel this is damage control after massive protests. The real issue is why exams like NEET and CUET are so leak-prone despite all the technology. We need to fix the system at its root—digitization of exam delivery and better surveillance. Also, glad to see Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast. Sensitive handling there.
The political blame game is ridiculous. Meghwal is right—if Opposition wants a discussion on paper leaks, why impose conditions on which rule to use under? The government is ready to discuss everything. This is about students' future, not about who gets credit. Both sides should sit together and pass the bill quickly. Exams can't be delayed again.
As someone who gave exams in the 90s and now has a younger sibling in college, I see both sides. Strict laws are needed—paper leaks destroy the entire merit system. But I worry about how "fast-track" courts might rush things. Justice should be quick, but not at the cost of fairness. Also, why no mention of compensatory exams for affected students? 😕
"Time-bound investigations" and "speedy trials" are great buzzwords. But history tells us that without proper infrastructure—adequate judges, investigation experts, digital forensic labs—this will remain a pipe
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