Paper leak cases: Cabinet proposes stricter punishments, up to 10 years' jail and ₹10 crore fine
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The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reportedly approved a draft Bill proposing tougher penalties for those involved in examination paper leaks, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of as much as ₹10 crore.
The proposed legislation, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week, seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, according to government sources.
The draft amendments aim to strengthen the existing legal framework against paper leaks and examination-related malpractices.
Under the proposed changes, individuals found guilty of leaking examination papers could face a minimum prison term of five years, along with financial penalties. In cases involving organised paper leak rackets, the punishment could extend to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of ₹10 crore, sources said.
The existing law prescribes imprisonment ranging from three to five years for individuals involved in paper leaks. For organised cheating syndicates, the current provisions include five to 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹1 crore.
Officials said the amendments are intended to deter organised criminal networks and institutions that profit from examination fraud while ensuring that genuine candidates are not penalised under the law.
The proposed amendments build on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which the Centre introduced in response to growing concerns over recurring examination paper leaks. The legislation came into force in June 2024, about four months after receiving President Droupadi Murmu's assent. It was enacted to curb unfair practices in public examinations, including recruitment tests conducted by agencies such as the UPSC and SSC, as well as entrance examinations like NEET, JEE, and CUET.
The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement late on Thursday that the government would bring stronger legal measures against paper leaks. In a video message, the Prime Minister said a Bill providing for stricter action against those involved in examination fraud would be taken up by the Cabinet and introduced in Parliament next week.
The government's move comes amid protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. The party has also called for sweeping reforms to the education system and sought ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak in May.