Prosecution Wraps Up Arguments in 2017 Haryana Civil Services Exam Paper Leak Case

The prosecution concluded its arguments in the 2017 Haryana Civil Services (Judicial) Preliminary Examination paper leak case. It argued that former registrar Balwinder Kumar Sharma leaked the paper to his friend Sunita, who sold it to candidates. The court will hear further arguments from the accused on July 20.

The prosecution on Tuesday concluded its arguments in the trial of the alleged paper leak involving the 2017 Haryana Civil Services (Judicial) Preliminary Examination.

Representing the Union Territory of Chandigarh, the prosecution asserted before Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna that the evidence clearly shows former registrar Balwinder Kumar Sharma was responsible for leaking the exam paper.

Special Public Prosecutor Charanjit Singh Bakhshi and Advocate Amit Sahni highlighted that the evidence against the accused leaves no room for doubt, claiming that Sharma's actions have severely undermined trust in the judiciary.

The prosecution presented oral, electronic, documentary, and scientific evidence indicating Sharma handed the exam paper to his friend Sunita, who then shared it with potential candidates for a fee.

The prosecution emphasized the impact of the crime, stressing that it damaged public confidence in the judicial system and tarnished the image of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Sharma, in his defense, claimed in his statement under section 313 CrPC that the question papers were under the High Court Committee's control and that a false investigation was launched against him.

The court deferred further arguments to July 20, allowing the accused an opportunity to present their case.

Previously, the Delhi High Court extended the trial court's deadline by three months, ordering daily hearings to expedite the case, which involves 19 accused and 85 witnesses.

An FIR was filed in 2017 following a complaint from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, leading to Sharma's suspension.

The prosecution maintains that Sharma had custody of the exam paper from its finalization to its dispatch, implicating Sunita as an accomplice who distributed the paper for money.

The charges against Sharma include cheating, criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Supreme Court transferred the case to Delhi in 2021 at Sharma's request.

(With inputs from agencies.)