PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Exam Paper Leak Cases; Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike

July 24, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through a video message on Thursday night, announcing that the government is preparing a new law to deal strictly with examination paper leak cases. He said a draft bill has been prepared to establish fast-track courts and ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those responsible. According to the Prime Minister, the Union Cabinet will discuss the proposal on Friday, and the government will try to pass the bill during the upcoming Parliament session beginning next week.

In his nearly three-minute video message, Modi said that paper leaks are not ordinary incidents but a serious issue that affects the future of lakhs of students and causes immense stress to their families. He highlighted that the government has taken several steps over the past two and a half months, including arresting those involved and conducting a fresh examination so that students did not lose an academic year. Around 22 lakh candidates appeared for the re-examination, and the results have already been declared. However, the Prime Minister said the government believes stronger legal action is still necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Prime Minister added that the concerned department has already submitted the draft proposal for fast-track courts. After the Cabinet's approval, the government will make every effort to introduce and pass the bill in Parliament at the earliest. The caption accompanying his video message also stated that strong action against paper leaks would be taken after the Cabinet meeting.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 27-Day Hunger Strike After Government's Assurance

Soon after Prime Minister Modi's announcement, social activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 27-day hunger strike on Thursday night. Wangchuk ended his fast at the hospital in the presence of his wife Gitanjali Jain Angmo, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, and several representatives of Ladakh's Apex Body. Those present congratulated him and honoured him with traditional shawls after he ended his protest.

In a post on X, Wangchuk said he was grateful and happy that the government had responded positively. He explained that his decision came after discussions with government representatives and after appeals from nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties who had requested him to end the hunger strike. Wangchuk also said he would soon release a detailed video explaining the conditions and assurances that led to his decision. At the same time, he urged people across the country to maintain peace and ensure that no violence takes place during the ongoing protests.

🚨 Sonam Wangchuk ENDS HUNGER STRIKE against the government: Drinks soup in hospital by the hands of Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh pic.twitter.com/6qPlEyX3kS

— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) July 23, 2026

Prime Minister Modi later wished Wangchuk good health and advised him to follow his doctors' instructions so that he could recover quickly. The Prime Minister expressed hope that Wangchuk would soon regain his normal health after ending his prolonged fast.

CJP Protest Continues as Government Reshuffles Education Ministry

Although Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar is set to continue. CJP founder Abhijit Deep thanked Wangchuk for his sacrifice and welcomed his decision to end the fast. However, he made it clear that the organisation would continue its peaceful protest until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. According to Deep, Wangchuk's movement has awakened the conscience of the nation, and the campaign for accountability will continue.

More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet! pic.twitter.com/NRysBukk5U

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026

Deep also assured that all future demonstrations would remain peaceful. He said Wangchuk's health and safety were important, but the larger demand for accountability in the education system had not changed. Protesters believe stronger action is still required against those responsible for examination irregularities and paper leaks.

Meanwhile, the central government also announced an important administrative change on Thursday night. Union Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was transferred to the Panchayati Raj Department, while senior bureaucrat Naresh Gangwar was appointed as the new Education Secretary. The reshuffle came amid the government's efforts to strengthen the education system and respond to the growing concerns over examination-related controversies.