Bombay High Court picks 2 judges from Aurangabad and Nagpur for paper leak cases in fast-track court

The Bombay High Court has established two fast-track courts in Aurangabad and Nagpur to try examination malpractice cases, following a directive from the Union Law Ministry. The courts will be presided over by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrates SV Pawar and Gulshan Kolte, respectively. This development comes amidst widespread protests against paper leaks and unfair means in public examinations.

The Bombay High Court has designated two special courts in Aurangabad and Nagpur to try offences relating to examination malpractices, a day after the Central government announced the setting up of fast-track courts for such cases. This move is part of the Centre's efforts to deal with paper leak cases, following widespread protests by student groups across the country.

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 requires trials in such cases to be completed within 3 months. The Act aims to prevent and punish examination malpractices, which have been a major concern for the education sector. The Centre's decision to establish special fast-track courts is seen as a step towards addressing this issue.

The establishment of these fast-track courts is a significant development in the fight against examination malpractices. It demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable. However, the effectiveness of these courts will depend on various factors, including the availability of resources and the efficiency of the judicial process.

The designation of special courts in Aurangabad and Nagpur is a crucial step towards addressing the issue of examination malpractices. Practitioners should closely monitor the development of this case law and be prepared to adapt their strategies accordingly.