In a historic first for the country, Madhya Pradesh has become the first State to establish dedicated Fast-Track Courts to tackle paper leaks, cheating and exam fraud in competitive and board examinations. The decision, taken jointly by the State Government and the Madhya Pradesh High Court on October 16, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement for such courts and Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav’s directives.

 

The State has been divided into four judicial zones for speedy trial. Bhopal Court: Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Betul, Narmadapuram, Harda, Rajgarh and Vidisha. Indore Court: Indore, Dhar, Ratlam, Jhabua, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Dewas and the Malwa-Nimar belt. Gwalior Court: Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Shivpuri, Guna, Datia, Ashoknagar and Tikamgarh. Jabalpur Court: Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, Satna, Chhindwara, Shahdol and other districts of Mahakoshal-Bundelkhand. The Government has set a strict 90-day target to complete trial after chargesheet filing. Special Public Prosecutors will be appointed for effective evidence presentation and witness management. In another major step, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the Superintendent of Police will be formed in every district to ensure swift and impartial investigation. The move aims to protect meritorious youth and send a strong deterrent to software tampering gangs and cheating mafias.