Modi Govt tables new anti-paper leak Bill amid Lok Sabha ruckus – How is it tougher than the existing Act
The Union government, on Monday, 27 July, introduced in the Lok Sabha a bill to provide for stricter measures to check paper leaks, amid protests
The Union government, on Monday, 27 July, introduced in the Lok Sabha a bill to provide for stricter measures to check paper leaks, amid protests by opposition parties in the House against the police action during the student agitation over the NEET issue. Soon after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill was introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House till 2 PM due to continuing protests by the Opposition. They were demanding a response from the government over the police crackdown on students during the CJP-led 20 July protest march to Parliament. What does the new Bill propose? Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are the key amendments proposed in the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026? ⌵ The bill proposes seven key amendments, including the establishment of fast-track courts for speedy trials, a mandate for investigations to be completed within two months, and enhanced punishments such as jail terms of up to ten years and fines up to ₹50 lakh. 2 Why was the new anti-paper leak bill introduced by the Modi government? ⌵ The bill was introduced in response to persistent incidents of paper leaks and protests by students, particularly surrounding the NEET exam, aiming to strengthen the integrity and fairness of public examinations. 3 How does the new bill enhance penalties compared to the previous legislation?
⌵ The new bill enhances penalties by increasing the maximum jail term from five years to ten years and raising fines from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks, thereby introducing stiffer regulations. 4 Should students be concerned about the implications of the new anti-paper leak bill? ⌵ Students should be aware of the bill's strict enforcement measures, as it aims to create a fairer examination environment. However, it may also contribute to increased anxiety around exam integrity and security. 5 What process is outlined for trials under the new anti-paper leak bill? ⌵ The trials for offences under the new bill must be conducted in fast-track courts that are required to complete proceedings within three months from the date the chargesheet is filed, ensuring timely justice. Seeking to amend a two-year-old anti-paper-leak law, the bill has been introduced following the over-month-long student protest over the NEET-UG paper leak and other issues. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over the row on Saturday. The new bill proposes establishing fast-track courts in every state for speedy trials of accused and to enhance punishment. According to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, investigations into paper-leak cases are to be completed within 2 months. The new stringent bill – the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 – proposes stiffer penalties, with a longer jail term and higher fines than the bill introduced two years ago.
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