NEET Paper Leak Fast-Track Court: Questions regarding the fairness of competitive examinations held across the country have been raised for quite some time. Following allegations of paper leaks, cheating, and other irregularities—particularly in major exams like NEET—students, parents, and teachers have demanded a safer and more transparent examination system. Consequently, the Central Government has emphasised the need for a specialised system to ensure speedy hearings and strict action against the guilty.
In this context, the Delhi High Court has established a special fast-track court to hear cases related to paper leaks and examination-related offences. This court will expedite the hearing of cases registered under the Public Examinations Act, 2024. Judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga has been entrusted with the responsibility of this special court and appointed as its Special Judge. Her mandate is to hear cases linked to examination scams and advance them through the legal process as quickly as possible.
Why was the fast-track court necessary?
Over the past few years, incidents of paper leaks and cheating in numerous recruitment and entrance examinations have cast doubt on the reliability of the examination system. Protracted judicial proceedings in such cases often forced aggrieved students to wait for long periods. To address this issue, a system has been put in place to ensure the speedy hearing of cases related to public examinations.
The primary objective of this court is the swift resolution of examination-related cases, ensuring legal action against the guilty, restoring confidence in the examination system, and safeguarding the interests of students.
What is the Public Examinations Act, 2024?
The Public Examinations Act, 2024, is a law enacted to curb unfair practices in public examinations—such as question paper leaks, cheating, exam-related fraud, digital paper leaks, and impersonation (having someone else take the exam on a candidate’s behalf). The direct aim of this legislation is to make the examination system safer and fairer.
Who is Anu Grover Baliga?
Anu Grover Baliga is a senior officer of the Delhi Judicial Service with extensive experience in judicial functions. Throughout her career, she has served in various district courts and held multiple judicial positions. Recently, she was appointed by the Delhi High Court as a Special Judge for the fast-track court constituted to hear cases related to paper leaks in government examinations and other exam-related matters.
When did her judicial career begin?
According to available information, Anu Grover Baliga joined the Delhi Judicial Service in the year 2000. She began her career as a Civil Judge at the Tis Hazari Courts. Subsequently, she was promoted to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS), where she served as an Additional District Judge, Additional Sessions Judge, District Judge, and Judge-in-Charge of the Mediation Centre.
In which courts has she served?
During her judicial career, Anu Grover Baliga has served in several courts, including the Tis Hazari Courts, Dwarka Courts, South-East Delhi District Courts, and the Rouse Avenue Court Complex. She also worked at the Mediation and Conciliation Centre associated with the Delhi High Court, where she handled responsibilities related to alternative dispute resolution.
What is her new responsibility?
Following a notification issued in July 2026, she was appointed as Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-25 at the Rouse Avenue Court Complex. This special court will hear cases related to government examinations.
What will the fast-track court do?
This special court is empowered to hear various types of cases, including those involving paper leaks, cheating in exams, organised examination fraud, illegal sale of question papers, sharing of papers via electronic means, and other exam-related criminal matters. The primary objective of the fast-track court is to ensure the speedy disposal of cases and to expedite the judicial process. Alongside this, the aim is to ensure timely justice for students, boost confidence in the examination system, and take immediate legal action against offenders.
Role of the Central Government
The Central Government has taken several administrative and legal measures to enhance transparency in government examinations and curb examination-related offences. These efforts aim to make the examination process more secure and ensure the resolution of cases in accordance with the law.
How will students benefit?
Timely resolution of examination-related cases will reduce uncertainty and boost the confidence of deserving candidates. It will also strengthen the credibility of the examination process and help prevent such incidents in the future.
Will all paper leak cases be heard in this court?
The special court established for this purpose will hear cases within its jurisdiction and in accordance with the relevant laws. The specific court where a case is heard depends on the facts of the case, jurisdictional aspects, and applicable legal provisions.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that the Delhi High Court has established a dedicated fast-track court to ensure the speedy hearing of cases involving paper leaks and other examination-related offences, including those concerning NEET. This is considered a significant step towards expediting the judicial process. The court is presided over by Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga, who possesses extensive experience in the judicial service.
The primary objective of this system is to resolve examination-related cases as quickly as possible, enhance transparency, and strengthen students’ confidence in the examination system. At the same time, it is important to note that the final verdict in any case is delivered solely based on the evidence presented by the lawyers and the applicable law.