The first proceedings in a National Eligibility cum Entrance Test paper leak case before a new fast-track court were deferred on Monday after no counsel represented the Central Bureau of Investigation, The Hindu reported.

The absence of the prosecutor was highlighted when the judge was to hear the bail applications of two men accused in the case.

The newly-designated court was also informed by the counsel representing the accused that he too had other engagements in a separate court and could not wait for the CBI lawyer.

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The bench then postponed the matter to August 3. It directed the director of prosecution to ensure that a public prosecutor is sent to the next hearing.

This came four days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that the government had decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leaks. The decision had been taken amid nationwide youth protests over alleged irregularities in the conduct of competitive exams.

Within a day, the Delhi High Court and the Bombay High Court had designated special fast-track courts to hear cases related to question paper leaks and other malpractices in public examinations.

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As the proceedings were deferred on Monday, the Opposition questioned the Union government about the situation.

“In such a situation, with what face is the Modi government beating the drum, proclaiming fast-track courts as the solution to the paper leak crisis?” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked on social media.

The Modi government’s “own CBI does not appear to show any seriousness or initiative” in investigating the cases of paper leak or conducting the trials, Ramesh added.

Edited by Tanya Shrivastava.

Also read: As Modi promises fast-track courts, where do the 2024 paper leak cases stand?