Delhi Fast-Track Court Adjourns First Paper Leak Hearing as CBI Prosecutor Fails to Appear

In a setback to proceedings at New Delhi’s new fast-track venue, the first hearing in a designated special court set up to try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was adjourned on Monday. The adjournment occurred because no public prosecutor appeared on behalf of the Central Bureau of Investigation to argue against the bail applications of Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal, two individuals accused in the NEET paper leak case.

Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga, presiding over the court, issued a direct direction to the director of prosecution to depute a public prosecutor to the present court to handle the matter. During the proceedings, the legal counsel appearing on behalf of the accused submitted that the hearing be adjourned to August 3.

The creation of the special court follows a notification issued by the Delhi High Court on July 23. The High Court ordered that Judge Baliga’s court would function as a specially designated fast-track court to try offences punishable under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with any connected offences, with immediate effect. Judge Baliga officially assumed charge of the fast-track court on Saturday.

Prior to the transfer to the special fast-track court, the NEET paper leak case was being heard by Special Judge Ajay Gupta. On Friday, Judge Gupta extended the judicial custody of all 13 accused persons in the case until August 6.

During that same session last Friday, Judge Gupta also formally dismissed the bail plea of Dr. Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure, an accused paediatrician involved in the case. The judge denied bail after stating that it was prima facie clear from the ongoing investigation that the doctor was "one of the active conspirators of an organised paper leak gang."