In a move aimed at ensuring speedy trials in examination fraud cases, the Bombay High Court has designated a special court in Nagpur to hear offences related to malpractice in public examinations, including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG).
The notification was issued on Friday by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge. The Court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nagpur, presided over by Judge Gulshan Kolte, has been notified as the special court for trying cases involving question paper leaks, impersonation, cheating and other unfair means adopted during public examinations.
The decision is expected to benefit students and investigating agencies across Nagpur and the Vidarbha region by expediting the trial of examination-related offences and ensuring quicker delivery of justice.
The Bombay High Court has also notified a second special court at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate S. V. Pawar will hear similar cases.
The development follows the Central Government’s decision to establish fast-track courts across the country for cases involving examination malpractice.
The move comes in the wake of nationwide outrage over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, including paper leak allegations. Students, parents and education activists have been demanding stringent action against those responsible and reforms to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the examination system.
The designated courts will hear offences registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Public Examinations Act, enacted in 2024, seeks to curb paper leaks, organised cheating and other unfair practices in public examinations. It provides for stringent penalties against individuals involved in examination fraud, including those facilitating paper leaks or assisting candidates through illegal means. Under the law, trials in such cases are expected to be completed within three months, ensuring swift action against offenders.
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