Lok Sabha introduces bill to strengthen Anti-Paper Leak Law; Jail term up to 10 years, ₹50 Lakh fine proposed

Goa Khabar : The Central Government on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing significantly stricter penalties to curb examination paper leaks and organised examination fraud.

The Bill was introduced by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, amid Opposition protests over the recent police crackdown on students during demonstrations demanding accountability for the NEET examination controversy.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or using unfair means in public examinations could face a minimum imprisonment of five years, extendable up to 10 years, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.

For organised examination fraud, the Bill proposes even stricter punishment, including a minimum seven-year jail term and a fine of up to ₹10 crore.

The proposed amendments also seek to ensure time-bound investigations and trials. Investigation into paper leak cases must be completed within two months, while Fast-Track Courts established by States and Union Territories will be required to conclude trials within three months of the filing of the chargesheet.

Additionally, the Bill empowers the Central Government to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate paper leak cases under specific circumstances.

Following the introduction of the Bill, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invited Opposition members who had submitted notices to oppose its introduction. However, no member spoke against it, after which the Bill was formally introduced. The Speaker also urged members from all political parties to participate in the discussion on examination reforms, noting that several parties had been demanding a debate on the issue.