In a video message posted on X, the Prime Minister acknowledged the distress caused by paper leaks and said the government had already taken several measures over the past two-and-a-half months.

The statement came hours after the Delhi High Court announced the creation of a fast-track court to hear paper leak-related cases.

'Paper leak is not an ordinary issue'

Calling the issue deeply painful for students and their families, PM Modi said the government understood the seriousness of the crisis.

"Friends, I know that paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months," he said.

The Prime Minister added that the authorities had already acted against those responsible.

"The culprits have been caught and are in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students do not waste a single year. It was very important to take the exams immediately," he said.

Second message in a single day

The late-night video marked PM Modi's second public statement on the paper leak issue on Thursday, as pressure mounted over the continuing nationwide protests.

His remarks came amid ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, where students and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party have been demanding stronger action against those responsible for examination paper leaks and broader reforms to the education system.

The government's latest assurance also follows the Delhi High Court's decision to set up a fast-track court to ensure quicker disposal of paper leak cases, a move aimed at expediting legal proceedings and strengthening accountability.

CJP reiterates demands, seeks PM's resignation

Responding to the Prime Minister's earlier statement, the CJP shared his post on X and said the government's priority should be to fulfil the demands raised by the protesting students.

Later at night, the CJP even demanded the Prime Minister's resignation as their earlier demands were not fulfilled.

The party earlier reiterated its key demands, including:

  • The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
  • Comprehensive reforms in the education system.
  • An apology to all students affected by the paper leak.
  • Concrete action to address the concerns raised by the youth.

The CJP wrote: "First and foremost, you should fulfill the demands of the youth. The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The corrupt system must be reformed. An apology must be sought from all students.

"These are the very youth of your own country, Prime Minister ji, who are fighting for the future of the students."

The exchange comes as protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been demanding accountability, education reforms and action against those responsible for the examination controversy.

Thousands of young people have joined the protests, with crowds swelling in support of the movement that has cornered the Modi government since the police crackdown on protesters during the Parliament March on July 20.

The movement gathered further momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast in support of the agitation, was forcibly removed by police from Jantar Mantar and admitted to a government hospital.

He has since been shifted to a private medical facility following a court order.