New Delhi, India – In a late-night video message on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Union Cabinet will discuss a stringent new draft law on Friday aimed at curbing examination paper leaks. The proposed legislation, which includes provisions for fast-track courts and stricter punishments, comes amid ongoing nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy .
Acknowledging the “immense pain” caused to lakhs of students and their parents, PM Modi stated that the government’s immediate priority after the leak was to ensure students did not lose an academic year. He highlighted that a re-examination for nearly 22 lakh students was conducted swiftly, with results declared on July 19 . “The government used its full capacity to organise the exams for nearly 2.2 million students in the shortest possible time,” he said .
While noting that action has already been taken against those responsible, with several arrested and jailed, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s determination to go further. “But we are not the kind of people who are satisfied with just that. Therefore, today I directed the departments to prepare provisions for fast-track courts,” he stated . Officials worked through the day to prepare the draft, which was submitted to him late Thursday night .
The draft law, which includes provisions for fast-track courts and stringent punishment, will be discussed in the Cabinet on Friday. “After incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, the Bill will be given its final shape,” PM Modi said . He added that the government would seek to introduce and pass the legislation during the second week of the Monsoon Session, which begins on Monday .
The announcement comes as the CJP continues its protests at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government has renewed its offer for talks, but the CJP has so far declined, insisting on a neutral venue . Meanwhile, the Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the issue in Parliament . The proposed legislation is seen as a decisive step to deter future incidents and ensure the integrity of competitive examinations
