Fast-Track Court Fails to Hear NEET Paper Leak Case on Day One as CBI Counsel Remains Absent

The first hearing in the NEET paper leak case before the newly constituted fast-track court could not proceed on Monday after no counsel representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeared before the court.

During the proceedings at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, the absence of the CBI's legal representative led to the postponement of the hearing. The court subsequently directed the Director of Prosecution to appoint a Public Prosecutor to represent the agency in the case, ensuring that future proceedings are not delayed.

The bail applications of accused Vikas and Dinesh Bival, which were listed for hearing on Monday, also remained pending due to the absence of the prosecution. The court has now fixed August 3 as the next date of hearing.

The development comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts to expedite trials in examination-related offences following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. The Prime Minister had said that those responsible for compromising students' futures would face strict legal action and that the government was committed to making the examination system more transparent and accountable.

The delay also coincides with the introduction of the Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, which proposes stringent penalties for paper leak offences and mandates the completion of trials within three months of the filing of a chargesheet.

While the government has projected fast-track courts as a key reform to ensure swift justice in examination fraud cases, the postponement of proceedings on the very first day has drawn attention to the challenges in implementing the new mechanism effectively.

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