‘Paper Leaks Will Not Be Spared’: PM Modi’s Late-Night Message to Students, Fast-Track Courts and Tougher Law on the Way

New Delhi: As protests over alleged paper leaks continue at Jantar Mantar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Thursday night addressed students through a video message, assuring them that the Centre is preparing even tougher measures to curb exam paper leaks. He announced that the Union Cabinet would discuss a proposal for stricter laws and fast-track courts to ensure swift action against those responsible.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that paper leaks are not a minor issue but a matter that deeply affects the future of lakhs of students and their families. He emphasized that the government has already arrested several accused in recent cases and sent them to jail, but said stronger legal measures are now being planned.

PM Modi said the government’s immediate priority was to ensure that students did not lose an academic year. He noted that examinations for nearly 22 lakh students were conducted again within a short period and that the results had already been declared, with successful candidates now celebrating their achievements.

More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet! pic.twitter.com/NRysBukk5U

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026

Fast-Track Courts, Tougher Punishment Proposed

The Prime Minister revealed that he had directed officials to prepare a draft proposal for setting up fast-track courts to exclusively handle paper leak cases. The draft also recommends stricter punishment for those involved in leaking examination papers and other related offences.

According to PM Modi, the proposal will be placed before the Union Cabinet on Friday. After incorporating the Cabinet’s suggestions, the government plans to introduce the bill during the second week of the ongoing Parliament session, with the aim of securing its passage at the earliest.

Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle

Amid the developments, the Central Government has also reshuffled the top leadership in the Higher Education Department. Senior IAS officer Vineet Joshi has been transferred from the post of Secretary, Department of Higher Education, to serve as Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education.