PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases; Rahul, CJP hit back: 10 developments | India News

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in examination paper leaks.In a post on X, PM Modi said the government had directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to safeguard students’ interests, asserting that those responsible for compromising the future of the country’s youth “will not be spared”. The announcement triggered sharp response from the opposition with Congress dismissing it as inadequate and reiterating its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Here are the 10 key developments:PM Modi announces fast-track courtsPM Modi said the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment in paper leak cases. Announcing the move on X, he said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! 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 regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.” Rahul Gandhi says PM ‘harmed the future of our youth’Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi rejected the Prime Minister’s announcement, accusing the government of presiding over the collapse of the education system. In a post on X, he wrote: “You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system–and protected every person responsible for it.” Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the Opposition’s three demands — the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those responsible for alleged police excesses during the protests.PM will ensure that no culprit is spared: BJP PresidentResponding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement, BJP President Nitin Nabin reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability. He said, “The Prime Minister has stated before and continues to state that he is prepared to investigate every issue. He will introduce fast-track courts to ensure that those responsible face action. He will ensure that no culprit is spared. The nation and the world know that Narendra Modi’s resolution means achieving it.“Protests disrupt ParliamentMPs from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc staged protests opposite each other at Makar Dwar within the Parliament premises in Delhi. The uproar continued inside the Lok Sabha, where proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon following loud protests by Opposition MPs.Delhi HC to hear plea seeking NIA probe into ‘Sansad Chalo’ protestThe Delhi high court will hear on Friday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest over the alleged NEET paper leak.The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha sought an urgent hearing, following which the court agreed to list the case for Friday.The PIL also seeks the transfer of all Delhi Police FIRs related to the protest to a specialised investigating agency and action against those allegedly involved in the violence.16 Delhi Metro stations shut amid CJP protestsSixteen Delhi Metro stations were closed from 7.30am on Thursday until further notice as security was tightened amid Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in the national capital. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), entry and exit have been suspended at stations including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg, although interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.“Service Update: The below-mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM till further instructions. However, interchange facilities shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat,” the DMRC said on X.Delhi Police confirms personnel were targeted during CJP protest after viral CCTV footageDelhi Police on Thursday confirmed that police officers and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were targeted during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest on July 20, after CCTV footage of the violence went viral on social media. Police said the video, which they confirmed was authentic, showed protesters pelting stones and vandalising property, including smashing glass windows at shops and a petrol pump. The clashes left more than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers and women officers, injured, while around 60 protesters were also hurt.Dharmendra Pradhan must resign: CJPThe Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) PM Modi’s announcement on fast-track courts did not address accountability and reiterated its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared an image of Pradhan captioned, “Hi, my name is nothing”, while the party posted, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign.” CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “The first thing is that it is good that after one-and-a-half months of protests, the prime minister has finally taken notice. Perhaps his foreign visits are over and he has returned to India, which is a good thing.” He added, “But what punishment are you imposing after the paper leak has already taken place? That is not going to solve the problem of paper leaks. The real question is why paper leaks are happening in the first place. That question must be answered.” Clashes erupt at Jantar Mantar, six police personnel injuredOn Wednesday night, fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel at Jantar Mantar, with police firing tear gas shells and carrying out a baton charge to disperse the crowd. At least six police personnel, including two ACP-rank officers, were injured in separate incidents of alleged stone-pelting, according to police sources.Authorities said “anti-social” elements had infiltrated the protest, escalating tensions and attacking security personnel. Internet jammers were later activated in parts of central Delhi as security was tightened.