The first hearing in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case before Delhi’s newly designated fast-track court was adjourned on July 27 after no lawyer representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeared when proceedings began.
The hearing, centred on the bail pleas of accused Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal, was postponed to August 3 after the defence also sought more time.
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga directed the Director of Prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor for future hearings, marking an unexpected procedural setback in a court created to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The development comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts to restore confidence in India’s examination system following nationwide outrage over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Court Hearing Delayed
The special fast-track court at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Courts had listed the bail applications of two accused for its first hearing. However, by 10.45 am, no counsel appeared on behalf of the CBI, prompting the court to record the absence of the prosecution.
Soon afterwards, defence counsel A.P. Singh requested an adjournment, citing another matter scheduled before the Rohini district courts.
Accepting the request, Judge Baliga postponed the hearing to August 3 and instructed the Director of Prosecution to depute a public prosecutor specifically for the designated court.
The judge’s order underscored the importance of uninterrupted legal representation in a case that has become a national test of the government’s promise of swift justice. Reports also indicate that the CBI is expected to file its chargesheet in the coming days.
Separately, the court heard an application concerning the medical treatment of another accused lodged in judicial custody and directed that she appear through video conferencing at the next hearing to personally confirm her access to treatment.
Inside The Case
The court hearing the matter was formally designated by the Delhi High Court last week as India’s first Special Fast-Track Court dedicated to offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The notification followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement that specialised courts would be established to expedite trials in paper leak cases after widespread protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination leak.
Before the case was transferred to the new court, another special court had extended the judicial custody of all 13 accused until August 6 and rejected the bail plea of paediatrician Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure, observing that the investigation prima facie indicated he was an active conspirator in an organised paper leak network.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of a question paper leak, with a re-examination later held on June 21. The CBI continues to investigate the alleged conspiracy involving brokers, middlemen and candidates.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Competitive examinations shape the futures of millions of young people, making transparency and accountability essential to preserving public trust.
While the creation of fast-track courts reflects an effort to ensure timely justice, procedural lapses such as the absence of prosecuting counsel during the very first hearing risk undermining public confidence in that objective.
Every institution involved, from investigating agencies to the judiciary, must work with diligence and coordination to ensure that justice is not only delivered but also seen to be delivered.
At the same time, the rights of the accused, the concerns of students and the integrity of the examination system deserve equal attention. As the legal process moves forward, what more can institutions do to reassure students that India’s public examinations are fair, secure and worthy of their trust?
Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026
We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this…
