Bombay HC Designates 2 Special Courts for Fast-Track Paper Leak Trials
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Bombay High Court has designated two special courts in Nagpur and Aurangabad to fast-track trials in examination paper leak cases in Maharashtra. This follows student protests demanding the Union education minister's resignation over exam irregularities and the Prime Minister's promise of a new law and fast-track courts.
Background
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, mandates concluding trials within three months. The Union government requested the appointment of experienced judicial officers for these courts.
Key facts
Bombay High Court designated two special courts in Nagpur and Aurangabad for fast-track trials in paper leak cases.
Judges SV Pawar (Aurangabad) and Gulshan Kolte (Nagpur) will preside over the courts.
The courts will conduct trials under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The 2024 law mandates trials to be concluded within three months.
The move came after PM Modi promised a new law and fast-track courts to tackle paper leaks.
Student protests, led by Cockroach Janta Party, demanded Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Bombay High Court
- Aurangabad and Nagpur special courts
- Judges SV Pawar and Gulshan Kolte
Mains angles
- Discuss the effectiveness of fast-track courts in addressing examination paper leaks and ensuring timely justice.
- Critically examine the role of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 in curbing malpractices.
- Analyze the impact of student protests on policy reforms in the education sector.