Modi Promises Tougher Action as Paper Leak Protests Spread

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a late-night video message on Thursday, promising fresh measures against those responsible for examination paper leaks, just hours before the satirical group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a nationwide protest. The announcement marked his second public statement on the issue that day and came soon after the Delhi High Court ordered the setup of a fast-track court to handle paper leak cases.

A Direct Message to Students

In his address, Modi acknowledged the emotional toll the scandal has taken on students and their families, describing the situation as far from ordinary. He pointed to a series of measures rolled out over the past two and a half months and confirmed that individuals allegedly involved in the leaks have already been arrested and are in custody. He indicated that further steps, including a Cabinet-level discussion, were expected on Friday.

Government Response and Mounting Opposition

Officials have emphasized minimizing disruption to students’ academic timelines, pointing to arrangements that allowed roughly 22 lakh students to take exams and to the release of results on July 19. Despite this, criticism has continued to build. The CJP’s Jantar Mantar demonstration and its call for protests across the country reflect ongoing public frustration. Opposition leaders have gone further, demanding the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a formal apology to affected students, and accountability for those seen as responsible for the recurring breaches. The government has yet to respond directly to these specific demands, though Friday’s Cabinet discussion is expected to address next steps on the broader paper leak issue.