Lok Sabha passes Bill to tighten anti-paper leak law; jail terms, fines increased

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing tougher punishments for paper leaks and examination-related offences, enhanced penalties for organised cheating, and the creation of a Special Task Force to investigate such crimes.

The Bill was passed after a marathon debate that began at 2 pm on Tuesday and continued until 11 pm before resuming on Wednesday. Replying to the debate, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said the amendments aim to make the law more stringent, ensure speedy justice and protect the interests of students and youth.

Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of using unfair means in public examinations will face imprisonment of not less than five years, extendable up to 10 years, compared to the existing provision of three to five years. The maximum fine has also been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

The Bill significantly raises penalties for service providers involved in examination offences, increasing the maximum fine from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore while extending their debarment from conducting public examinations from four years to eight years.

For organised examination-related crimes, the minimum prison term has been enhanced from five years to seven years, extendable up to 10 years, while the maximum fine has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.

The legislation also empowers the Centre to constitute a Special Task Force to investigate paper leaks and examination-related offences. It introduces a new provision mandating completion of investigations within two months, designating Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trials, requiring trials to be completed within three months of filing the charge sheet, and providing for the appointment of Special Public Prosecutors for each such court.

Speaking during the debate, Dr Singh said the amendments reaffirm the government's commitment to safeguarding the future of students and ensuring a transparent examination system. He noted that incidents of paper leaks had occurred in states governed by different political parties.

The Minister also criticised the Opposition for what he described as politicising the debate instead of offering constructive suggestions. Taking a swipe at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Dr Singh alleged that the Congress leader had used unparliamentary language during proceedings.

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Dr Singh said the government had repeatedly clarified that no shots were fired during the incident in question and that only tear gas was used. He added that since no firing took place, the issue of issuing firing orders did not arise, noting that such authority rests with the magistrate and not the Union Home Minister.

(With agency inputs)