Massive protests over alleged examination paper leaks disrupted normal life in the national capital on Wednesday, forcing the temporary closure of a Delhi Metro station near Parliament as thousands of students and job aspirants continued their demonstrations demanding accountability from the government. The unrest has intensified pressure on the Centre, with Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai indicating that the Supreme Court may intervene if the situation is not resolved soon.
The protests, which have drawn students from several states, are centred on repeated allegations of question paper leaks in competitive examinations. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a transparent investigation into the leaks, and comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system.
Security was tightened around Parliament and other key government buildings as police deployed additional personnel to manage the crowds. Authorities temporarily shut a nearby metro station to prevent further congestion and maintain public safety. Several roads in central Delhi also witnessed traffic disruptions due to the demonstrations.
During a hearing related to the ongoing unrest, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai said the judiciary is closely monitoring developments and would not hesitate to step in if the executive fails to address the concerns through appropriate measures. He stressed that while maintaining law and order is primarily the government’s responsibility, the court would intervene if constitutional rights or the rule of law were compromised.
The government has attempted to reassure students by announcing plans to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in examination paper leak cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also promised strict action against those responsible, stating that the future of India’s youth cannot be compromised by corruption or malpractice.
However, protest leaders remain unconvinced, arguing that judicial reforms alone are insufficient without fixing systemic failures and holding senior officials accountable. Student organisations have vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete action is taken, including political accountability for the recurring examination scandals.
The protests have received support from several opposition parties, which have accused the government of failing to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations. Opposition leaders have echoed calls for the education minister’s resignation and demanded a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s recruitment and examination processes.
As tensions continue to rise, the government’s next steps and the Supreme Court’s response could prove crucial in determining whether the protests subside or escalate further in the coming days.
