PM Modi announces fast-track trials in paper leak cases, promises severe punishment; CJP replies: ‘Pradhan must resign’ | Today’s news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and severe punishment of those involved in the paper leak.
This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first major response to the protests held in the national capital over the paper leaks and growing demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and strict punishment of those involved in the paper leak. We have directed relevant authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps to protect the interests of students,” he said.
CJP replies, Pradhan must resign
PM Modi’s announcement comes amid widespread protests over paper leaks and other issues related to the investigation. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting the issue for over a month, marched on Parliament on July 20, where clashes between police and protesters were reported.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on hunger strike for 26 days over the issue. Wangchuk is fasting at Medanta Hospital right now.
“Those who seek to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” the Prime Minister added on Thursday.
Reacting to PM Modi’s announcement, the CJP reiterated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan “must” resign.
Rahul Gandhi is seeking Pradhan’s resignation
The matter rocked the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament and the proceedings were suspended for the last four days due to paper leaks and other issues amid opposition protests.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday stepped up his attack on the Union government and extended support to students protesting under the CJP banner.
Gandhi, however, did not mention the Cockroach Janta Party in his speech, though he reiterated that the Congress Party fully supported the students’ demands and sought Pradhan’s resignation.
On Tuesday, Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi surprised the Union government by staging a protest demonstration near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
The protest was unprecedented in that no opposition leader had staged a protest in recent times on the heavily guarded stretch — Lok Kalyan Marg, formerly known as Race Course Road — that houses the prime minister’s official residence.
