Lok Sabha clears tougher anti-paper leak law with 10-year jail term, fast-track courts

New Delhi: In a significant move to curb paper leaks and examination fraud, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter punishments, fast-track courts and time-bound trials for offences related to public examinations.

The Bill, passed by a voice vote after nearly two days of intense debate, amends the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. It seeks to strengthen the legal framework to ensure greater transparency and integrity in the conduct of public examinations while safeguarding the interests of students.

Among the major provisions are imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to ₹10 crore, confiscation of assets of those convicted, and the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure that trials are completed and verdicts delivered within three months.

The amendment follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of a proposal to tighten the law against paper leaks and organised examination fraud. The government had earlier announced its intention to introduce stronger legislation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said stringent legal action was necessary to protect the future of students.

The legislation comes against the backdrop of nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. On July 20, hundreds of students gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as part of the ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding strict action against those responsible for paper leaks.

The demonstration later turned violent after clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel, leaving several students and police personnel injured.

One of the key demands of the protesters was the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down from the post on July 25, citing accountability amid the examination controversy.

The government has maintained that the amended law, coupled with speedy trials and tougher penalties, is aimed at restoring public confidence in the examination system and deterring organised examination-related crimes.