NEW DELHI — In a major administrative move aimed at expediting justice in public examination malpractices, the High Court of Delhi has designated Judicial Officer Anu Grover Baliga as the Special Judge to head the newly established fast-track court for paper leak cases.
The official notification, issued by the High Court administration, places Judge Baliga at the Rouse Avenue Court Complex as Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-25 (Specially Designated Fast-Track Court). In her new role, she will exclusively adjudicate offenses registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with connected criminal proceedings.
Prior to this assignment, Judge Baliga was serving as the Judge-in-Charge of the Mediation Centre (Central District) at the Tis Hazari Courts.
Key Statutory and Administrative Directives
The administrative order outlines specific measures to streamline the prosecution of examination-related crimes:
- Exclusive Jurisdiction: The newly designated fast-track court will serve as the primary judicial forum for cases involving organized paper leaks, unauthorized access to question banks, impersonation, and tampering with computer networks during public examinations.
- Transfer of Pending Cases: The Principal District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI) at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex has been directed to transfer all pending matters filed under the 2024 Act and connected penal provisions to Judge Baliga’s court with immediate effect.
- Administrative Oversight: The special court will function under the administrative control of the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Rouse Avenue Courts Complex, New Delhi.
Statutory Background: The 2024 Act
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to curb cheating, leaks, and fraudulent practices in public recruitment and entrance examinations conducted by central authorities, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), National Testing Agency (NTA), and Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB).
Key provisions under the law include:
- Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offenses: All offenses under the Act are classified as non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable.
- Stringent Penalties: Individual offenders face mandatory imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years and fines up to ₹10 lakh
- Organized Crime Measures: Organized syndicates or entities involved in paper leaks face severe penalties, including imprisonment between 5 and 10 years, fines up to ₹1 crore, and forfeiture of property.
Context and Policy Significance
The judicial order follows a broader policy directive to establish dedicated fast-track courts across the capital to handle recruitment and entrance test fraud. The move comes amid heightened public concern and student protests regarding examination integrity across the country.
By establishing a dedicated forum at the Rouse Avenue Court Complex, the judicial branch aims to minimize procedural delays, streamline evidence gathering, and provide swift, time-bound adjudication for cases affecting public competitive examinations.
Discription: This news report covers the Delhi High Court's appointment of Judicial Officer Anu Grover Baliga as the Special Judge for the newly established fast-track court at the Rouse Avenue Court Complex in New Delhi. Designated as Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-25, Judge Baliga—previously the Judge-in-Charge of the Mediation Centre at Tis Hazari Courts—will exclusively preside over cases prosecuted under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The law treats paper leaks, impersonation, and organized cheating in competitive recruitment tests as cognizable, non-bailable offenses, carrying strict penalties including imprisonment up to ten years and fines reaching one crore rupees. All pending examination fraud cases are being transferred to her court to ensure swift, time-bound judicial proceedings.