CURRENT AFFAIRS | 24 JULY 2026
With the Prime Minister promising fast-track courts to try those behind exam paper leaks and a tougher new law on the way, the spotlight is on how special and fast-track courts are actually created in India — and on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which already criminalises organised cheating in central recruitment and entrance tests.
Constitutional & Legal Framework
- Article 21: The right to life and personal liberty includes the right to a speedy trial (Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar) — the constitutional basis for fast-track courts.
- Article 247: Parliament may by law provide for additional courts for the better administration of laws made by it.
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024: Punishes leaks and organised cheating in exams by UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS, NTA etc. with up to 10 years jail and fines up to Rs 1 crore.
The CLAT Angle
Fast-track courts are a favourite CLAT theme because they sit at the crossroads of Article 21 (speedy trial), judicial administration and criminal law. Remember: there is no single statute that creates all fast-track courts — they are set up case-by-case by State governments in consultation with High Courts. Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for rape and POCSO cases are funded partly under the Nirbhaya Fund. Expect a question linking speedy trial to Article 21 or distinguishing FTCs from FTSCs.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Trigger | PM’s promise of fast-track courts for exam paper-leak accused |
| Governing law | Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (in force 21 June 2024) |
| Punishment | 3–10 years imprisonment; fines up to Rs 1 crore for organised cheating |
| Constitutional base | Article 21 speedy trial; Article 247 additional courts |
| Special courts | FTSCs (rape/POCSO) partly funded by Nirbhaya Fund |
Memory Hook: “SPEED”
Speedy trial – POCSO – Exams Act 2024 – Extra courts (Art 247) – Delay defeats justice.
Test Yourself: 10-Question Quiz
Attempt all 10 questions below and check your CLAT current-affairs readiness.
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
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