Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday issued a rare video message addressing the nationwide controversy over examination paper leaks, announcing that his government will introduce legislation to establish fast-track courts and impose stricter punishment on those responsible. The announcement came as the student-led protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued to intensify in New Delhi, with demonstrators demanding accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to Hindustan Times, Modi's statement came after days of growing public pressure generated by the expanding CJP movement at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where thousands of students and supporters have gathered to protest repeated exam paper leaks and demand reforms in India's education system.
Addressing students and their families, Modi acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis, saying paper leaks had caused immense hardship for millions of candidates and their parents. He said the government had already arrested several individuals allegedly involved in the leaks over the past two and a half months and vowed to continue legal action against those responsible.
The Prime Minister said the government's immediate priority had been to ensure that students did not lose an academic year because of the controversy. According to him, examinations involving around 2.2 million students were completed as quickly as possible, and results have already been published.
Modi also announced that he had instructed government departments to prepare a legal framework introducing fast-track courts and tougher penalties for examination-related crimes. He said the draft legislation would be placed before the Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament when the ongoing Monsoon Session resumes next week.
Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after meeting Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital. Wangchuk had joined the CJP protest on June 28 in solidarity with students demanding greater accountability over exam irregularities and institutional reforms.
The CJP movement, which began as a satirical online campaign following controversial remarks allegedly made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referring to certain unemployed youths and social media activists as "cockroaches" and "parasites," has rapidly transformed into one of India's largest youth-led protest movements. Founded by Boston University graduate Abhijeet Dipke, the organisation has mobilised demonstrations across several cities before launching an indefinite sit-in at Jantar Mantar.
The movement gained further momentum after protesters alleged that authorities forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest site amid his deteriorating health. Since then, thousands of students have continued demonstrations demanding education reforms, transparency in recruitment and examination processes, and political accountability.
Earlier this week, protesters attempted to march toward Parliament as the Monsoon Session began but were stopped by security forces using barricades, tear gas, and baton charges. Authorities have also imposed internet restrictions in parts of central Delhi surrounding the protest site and temporarily closed several metro station entrances as demonstrations continue.