CJP protest: What is Public Examinations Act? 10-year jail, ā¹10 crore fine ā bill to amend anti-cheating law explained
Parliament is likely to discuss on Monday a bill seeking to amend the anti-paper leak law as students and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continue
Parliament is likely to discuss on Monday a bill seeking to amend the anti-paper leak law as students and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continue to stage protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over irregularities in the 2026 NEET examination. Reports claimed on Friday, citing sources, that the draft bill seeking an amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House complex. The bill aims to strengthen the anti-paper leak law. Sources told ANI that the proposed amendment bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament on Monday, July 27. Quick answers to key questions ā¢ 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? āµ The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is a law aimed at curbing paper leaks and organized cheating in public examinations across various competitive tests, including NEET, UPSC, and SSC. 2 What are the penalties proposed in the amendment to the Public Examinations Act? āµ The proposed amendment to the Public Examinations Act suggests a minimum imprisonment of five years, with up to ten years and fines up to ā¹10 crore for organized paper leaks. 3 Why was the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act introduced? āµ The Act was introduced in response to a series of paper leak incidents and aims to protect the integrity of public examinations and ensure fair opportunities for all candidates. 4 How does the new amendment aim to address examination fraud more effectively? āµ The amendment aims to expedite investigations with fast-track courts and mandates timely probes within three months for cases related to paper leaks, thus enhancing accountability.
5 Should students concerned about exam integrity advocate for stricter measures? āµ Yes, students advocating for stricter measures can drive governmental reforms and promote accountability in exam processes, which is essential for maintaining the credibility of public examinations. The decision came against the backdrop of continuing nationwide protests by students and Opposition parties over the NEET-UG row, demanding accountability, a comprehensive investigation into the paper leak, and stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of public examinations. What does the new anti-paper leak amendment bill propose? The bill proposes a minimum punishment of five years' imprisonment for individuals involved in paper leaks and/or a fine, according to news agency PTI. It proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of ā¹10 crore in case of organised paper leaks. Sources told the agency that the bill also provides for a time-bound probe of the cases and a statutory mandate for trial in fast-track courts, with a stipulation that the probe must be completed in three months. The existing law has provisions for three to five years' imprisonment for individuals, and five to 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum fine of ā¹1 crore for those involved in the organised crime of cheating and paper leaks. Comparison of Punishments and Fines Category Existing Act (2024) New Proposed Bill Individual Punishment 3 to 5 years' imprisonment Minimum of 5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine Organised Crime Punishment 5 to 10 years' imprisonment Up to 10 years' imprisonment Fines (Organised Crime) Minimum fine of ā¹ 1 crore Maximum fine of ā¹ 10 crore In the wake of the latest protests over the NEET paper leak, the Delhi Police constituted a Special Task Force (STF) in the Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and other examination-related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
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