First Hearing in NEET Paper Leak Case Adjourned as CBI Counsel Fails to Appear in Fast-Track Court
The newly designated special fast-track court set up to prosecute examination fraud encountered an immediate procedural delay on Monday when its first scheduled hearing in the NEET-UG paper leak case was adjourned due to the absence of legal counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The newly designated special fast-track court set up to prosecute examination fraud encountered an immediate procedural delay on Monday when its first scheduled hearing in the NEET-UG paper leak case was adjourned due to the absence of legal counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga of Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Fast Track Court was scheduled to hear the bail applications of accused individuals Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal. However, with no prosecutor present on behalf of the central investigating agency, the court directed the Director of Prosecution to depute a public prosecutor for the case and adjourned proceedings to August 3. PM Narendra Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases Amid CJP-Led Student Protests.
Advocate A.P. Singh appeared in court to represent the defense. The designated fast-track court was established on July 23 following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stated that the government would establish dedicated fast-track courts to ensure "swift and stringent punishment" for those involved in examination paper leaks. Describing student welfare as the government's foremost priority, PM Modi emphasized that those attempting to jeopardize the future of the nation's youth "will not be spared."
The court was handed jurisdiction over all pending matters linked to the alleged NEET-UG breach under the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, alongside proposed legislative amendments to strengthen penalties against organized exam fraud. Monday’s proceedings were intended to mark the tribunal's official opening hearing.
Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal are among 13 individuals arrested by the CBI in connection with the paper leak investigation, all of whom currently remain in judicial custody. According to investigative findings, the breach involved a multi-tiered distribution network where leaked question papers were allegedly procured for ₹10 lakh and resold to prospective candidates for up to ₹12 lakh each. Fast-Track Courts Will Ensure Justice in Paper Leaks: Arjun Ram Meghwal.
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on May 12 following a formal complaint filed by a government official under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Public Examinations Act, and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court is expected to resume hearing arguments on the bail applications on August 3 after the prosecution confirms legal representation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 07:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).