Amendment bill with stringent provisions against paper leak introduced in Lok Sabha

The government introduced the "Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026" in the Lok Sabha on Monday, with the objective of cracking down on paper leaks and organized exam malpractices. The Bill was introduced by Minister of State for Science and Technology and Personnel, Dr. Jitendra Singh, amidst opposition uproar. The Bill includes several new stringent provisions, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, attachment of property, special fast-track courts, time-bound investigation and trial.

The government said that in recent years, paper leaks and other irregularities in various exams have severely affected the transparency, impartiality, and credibility of the examination system. The law is being strengthened to prevent such incidents and ensure prompt and effective action against those found guilty. The Bill proposes to amend the "Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024".

Under the Amendment Bill, all state governments and Union territories will be empowered to set up and notify special fast-track courts for the trial of offenses under this law. These courts will hear cases on a day-to-day basis, with a target to dispose of cases within three months of the charge sheet being filed. Similarly, appeals filed in high courts will also be decided within three months.

According to the Bill, the central government will also have the power to constitute a special task force (Special Task Force) to investigate any case, if required. Moreover, the investigation of cases registered under this law will have to be completed within two months. State governments and Union territories will also be empowered to appoint one or more special public prosecutors to effectively prosecute these cases.

The Bill proposes to increase the punishment for organized paper leaks, use of unfair means in exams, or involvement in such crimes, with imprisonment ranging from two to 10 years and a fine of Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 crore. Additionally, the court will have the power to award additional punishment under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

If any service provider agency or company is found involved in such a crime, it will be liable to pay a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. The actual cost of conducting the exam will also be recovered from the agency, and it may be barred from undertaking any examination-related work for up to four years.

If the director, senior management, officers, employees, or other responsible persons of a service provider agency are found involved in the crime, they will also face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. The Bill also proposes that if any exam authority, associated agency, or organized group is found involved in the crime, the concerned individuals may face imprisonment of five to 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

The Amendment Bill also proposes to attach properties acquired through crime, to completely eliminate the financial gains from such illegal activities. The government said the objective of these amendments is to further strengthen transparency, impartiality, and credibility in the public examination system, increase the trust of youth in the system, and ensure effective and time-bound action against paper leaks and organized exam mafias. The Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament after it was approved by the Union Cabinet.

When the House resumed proceedings at 5 pm after being adjourned three times, opposition members started slogan-shouting and moved to the center of the House, waving placards. Deputy Speaker Krishna Prasad Arun Tieneti appealed to the agitating members to return to their seats, saying this was a very important Bill. He said that a copy of the Bill had already been provided to all members, and they should participate in the discussion.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Many members have come fully prepared to discuss the Bill. Several opposition members have also moved amendments to it. This is a very important Bill related to the future of children and students. The government is also ready for a discussion, but the Congress and other opposition parties are deliberately not allowing a discussion on it."

He said, "I regret to say that on the first day of the session, these parties were demanding a discussion on the paper leak issue. Now that the government has brought a Bill on this issue and introduced it in the House, the opposition is not allowing a discussion on this important legislation." He appealed to the Congress members, "Please do not do this. Your image has already been affected. Avoid such actions that may further tarnish your party's image. The entire party should unite and participate in the discussion on this important Bill, as its objective is to secure and improve the future of our youth and students."