The first proceedings in the NEET paper leak case before a newly designated fast-track court in Delhi were adjourned on Monday after no counsel appeared on behalf of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), delaying the hearing on bail applications filed by two accused.
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga was hearing the bail pleas of accused Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal when the absence of the prosecution was noted.
According to court proceedings, the judge observed, "None appears on behalf of the state till 10:45 am to argue on the bail application."
The court later adjourned the matter to August 3 after the defence sought additional time, stating that counsel was engaged in another case before the Rohini district courts.The court also requested the Directorate of Prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor to represent the prosecution before the fast-track court in future proceedings.
The hearing marked the first proceedings before the newly designated fast-track court established to hear cases related to examination paper leaks and the use of unfair means in public examinations.The creation of such courts follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure quicker disposal of paper leak cases.Judge Anu Grover Baliga formally assumed charge of the special court on Saturday.
Earlier, on July 23, the Delhi High Court issued a notification designating her court as a Specially Designated Fast Track Court to hear offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with related criminal offences.
In a separate development in the same case, the court had earlier rejected the bail application of accused paediatrician Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure.
While rejecting his plea, the court observed that the investigation had prima facie indicated that he was "one of the active conspirators of an organised paper leak gang."
Sources: Hindustan Times
