NEET paper leak case: First hearing in fast-track court deferred as CBI counsel fails to show up

The first hearing before the specially designated fast-track court handling the NEET question paper leak case was postponed on Monday (July 27, 2026) after the counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the case, failed to appear.

Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga was scheduled to hear the bail applications of accused Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal.

“None appears on behalf of State till 10.45 a.m. to argue on the bail application,” the court order read.

The court also noted that the counsel appearing for the accused, advocate A.P. Singh, too informed it that he had other engagements in Rohini Courts and hence could not wait for more time for the CBI’s counsel.

“In view of the above, the present bail application will now be taken up on 03.08.2026 at 10.00 a.m.,” the court said, further directing the Director of Prosecution to ensure that a public prosecutor is deputed to appear before it in future proceedings.

Congress targets government

Criticising the adjournment of a matter by the fast-track court over the absence of a CBI lawyer, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, said, “In such a situation, with what face is the Modi government beating the drum, proclaiming fast-track courts as the solution to the paper leak crisis? Its own CBI does not appear to show any seriousness or initiative in investigating these cases or conducting the trials.”

Judge Baliga assumed charge of the designated fast-track court on Saturday (July 25, 2026). The Delhi High Court, through a notification issued on July 23, had declared her court a Specially Designated Fast Track Court to hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with related offences.

The adjournment of the hearing by the fast-track court comes just a few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that dedicated fast-track courts would be established to expedite trials in paper leak cases.

Previously, Special Judge Ajay Gupta, who was hearing the matter, extended the judicial custody of all 13 accused until August 6. The court also rejected the bail plea of paediatrician Dr. Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure, observing that the investigation prima facie indicated his active involvement in an organised paper leak conspiracy.

The controversy stems from the NEET-UG medical entrance examination conducted on May 3, which was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 12 following allegations of question paper leak. A fresh examination was subsequently held on June 21 and its results were released earlier this month.