Lok Sabha passes anti-paper leak bill with up to 10-year jail term
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The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, tightening the country's anti-paper leak framework by prescribing stricter penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in examination malpractices.
The legislation, introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on July 27, seeks to strengthen the 2024 anti-paper leak law by creating a faster and more stringent legal mechanism to investigate and prosecute offences related to public examinations.
Replying to the debate in the House, Singh said the government had acted swiftly following the NEET paper leak controversy and that 52 FIRs had been registered since the original law came into force in 2024. He said the amendment reflected the government's willingness to strengthen the legal framework based on experience and added that incidents of suicides linked to paper leak cases had declined in recent years.
The amendment empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate sessions courts as special fast-track courts to hear offences under the law. These courts will be required to conduct day-to-day hearings and complete trials within three months of the filing of the charge sheet.
The Bill also mandates that investigations into offences be completed within two months and authorises the Centre to constitute special task forces for probing cases. States and UTs will be able to appoint special public prosecutors for conducting trials.
To ensure speedy judicial review, the Bill provides for appeals against judgments, sentences or orders to be heard by a two-judge bench of the respective High Court, with disposal targeted within three months of admission.
Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or other unfair means in public examinations will face a minimum imprisonment of five years, extendable to 10 years, along with fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. For organised crimes involving examination fraud, the Bill prescribes a minimum jail term of seven years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.
The legislation covers examinations conducted by agencies such as the UPSC, Staff Selection Commission, National Testing Agency, railways and banking recruitment bodies, among others. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day shortly after the Bill was passed.