Fast‑Track Courts for Paper‑Leak Cases: What Aspirants Need to Know
The Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has ordered the creation of a specialised fast‑track court to hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The Delhi High Court has already set up a fast‑track bench at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex. While the move promises quicker disposal of exam‑leak cases, experts warn that fast‑track courts (FTCs) face the same systemic constraints as regular courts.
Key Developments
- Modi’s announcement to set up a fast‑track court for paper‑leak cases.
- Delhi High Court constitutes a fast‑track bench at Rouse Avenue Courts Complex.
- Union Law Ministry reports a backlog of 2.45 lakh cases in existing Fast‑Track Special Courts (FTSCs).
- National Judicial Data Grid lacks separate pendency data for FTSCs, limiting transparency.
- Supreme Court cautions against rigid timelines and arbitrary case allocation, citing Article 14.
Important Facts
• In 2025, fast‑track courts instituted about 1.4 lakh cases but disposed only 66,000, leaving a net addition of 74,000 pending cases.
• Overall Indian trial courts face a pendency of roughly 4.8 crore cases, with about 74% being criminal matters.
• The National Judicial Data Grid does not publish separate timelines for FTSCs, making performance assessment difficult.
• The proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 prescribes strict timelines, which the Supreme Court has warned may affect fair trial rights.
Exam Relevance
Understanding fast‑track courts touches upon several GS papers. GS2 (Polity) requires knowledge of judicial reforms, the constitutional guarantee of equality, and the r