A Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue, Delhi, has rejected the regular bail application of Dr. Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure, an accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, holding that the material collected during investigation prima facie indicates his active role in an organised paper leak syndicate and that releasing him at this stage could prejudice the ongoing investigation.
Special JudgeAjay Gupta observed that the alleged paper leak had affected millions of aspirants and undermined public faith in one of the country’s most important entrance examinations. In a strongly-worded order, the Court observed:
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“It is widely known that the paper leak of NEET (UG) 2026 has severely impacted millions of NEET aspirants in India and abroad. In case, the allegations against the accused persons involved in the present case… are taken on their face value then same would prima facie show that in order to satisfy their greed and to gain illegal wealth, they not only sabotaged the entire process of NEET (UG) 2026 exam which was supposed to be conducted fairly and flawlessly but by their aforesaid illegal acts, they have also brought disrepute to the Nation. Besides, they have also caused huge loss running in several crores of rupees to the Government exchequer.”
The Court further remarked that such acts erode the confidence of honest students who prepare diligently for competitive examinations.
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“Their abhorrent and illegal acts have also eroded the trust of the honest students in the process of this exam, who prepare for the exam with full zeal and honesty and by burning the midnight oil, in order to compete with their fellow candidates on the basis of their sheer skill and competence.”
According to the CBI, Dr. Shirure facilitated meetings between candidates and co-accused P.V. Kulkarni for access to leaked chemistry questions before the examination. The agency also alleged that he referred other beneficiaries, received money in return, and that ₹5 lakh allegedly linked to the conspiracy was recovered during investigation. After examining the material on record, the Court held that there was prima facie evidence showing the accused’s involvement in the larger conspiracy.
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“It is prima-facie clear from the investigation carried out by the CBI and the incriminating material collected by them till date, that present accused is one of the active conspirators of an organized paper leak gang who allegedly played an active role in leaking the NEET (UG) 2026 exam paper well before the scheduled date of examination… It is also prima-facie clear that he had not only sourced the candidates for the co-accused persons but he had also received the substantial amount against the same.”
The Court also relied upon observations from the Delhi High Court, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Orissa High Court highlighting that examination fraud undermines meritocracy, public trust and the integrity of recruitment and educational systems.
Holding that the investigation remains at a crucial stage and that the possibility of influencing public witnesses cannot be ruled out, the Court refused to enlarge the accused on bail and dismissed the application.
