Delhi High Court transfers NEET paper-leak judge; 138 judges shuffled in Saturday reshuffle

The Delhi High Court on Saturday transferred Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga out of the newly constituted fast-track court hearing the 2026 NEET-UG paper-leak case, part of a sweeping reshuffle that moved 138 judicial officers across the capital.

Baliga, appointed just days earlier to head the special court at Rouse Avenue, will now sit as one of six designated NIA judges hearing terror-related matters under the UAPA, NIA Act, NDPS Act and MCOCA. Justice Ajay Gupta, who had been presiding over the NEET paper-leak proceedings before the fast-track courts were notified, has been assigned to take over the case.

What we can verify

• Judge transferred: The Indian Express reports that Baliga’s first hearing in the NEET paper-leak case was scheduled for July 27 but was adjourned; a hearing on the chargesheet and bail pleas of two accused was set for August 3. The same report confirms her transfer to the NIA docket effective August 4, citing the High Court’s Saturday notification moving 138 judges. — The Indian Express

• 138-judge reshuffle: The notification posted 13 judges to Rouse Avenue Court for UAPA, NIA, NDPS and MCOCA matters, including six designated special NIA judges. More than 50 NIA cases are pending in Delhi, most previously before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Patiala House Court. — The Indian Express

• Fast-track court genesis: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper-leak cases last week after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) sit-in at Jantar Mantar. The Union Law Ministry then directed states to operationalise courts under the 2024 Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act. The Wire reported on July 29 that a 22-year-old paper-leak case is among those now slated for the new Delhi fast-track court, and that several states have announced similar courts. — The Wire

• First hearing adjourned: The initial hearing before Baliga’s court was deferred after defence counsel sought time; the court has taken the CBI chargesheet on record. — The Indian Express

What remains unverified

• Whether the transfer was requested by Baliga or initiated administratively; the High Court notification does not specify reasons for individual moves.
• Exact timeline for the next hearing under Justice Gupta — the August 3 date was set before the reshuffle.
• CJP’s formal response to the transfer; the party has previously demanded accountability in the NEET paper-leak investigation and questioned procedural delays.