Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill
The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by voice vote after an extended debate. The legislation proposes tougher punishments, faster investigations and special courts for cases involving paper leaks and organised examination fraud.
Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill
The Bill strengthens the Public Examinations Act introduced in 2024 to tackle paper leaks, cheating and other organised malpractices in examinations conducted by Central government agencies.
Individuals involved in unfair practices could face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. These penalties are significantly higher than those available under the existing law.
The government said 52 FIRs had been registered since the original anti-paper leak legislation came into force in 2024.
Organised Exam Fraud Faces Harsher Penalties
People convicted of organised examination crimes could face a minimum prison sentence of seven years and substantial financial penalties.
Service providers found participating in organised malpractice could also face stricter fines and longer periods of debarment from conducting public examinations.
Investigations into offences covered by the legislation must be completed within two months. States and Union Territories will also be required to designate special fast-track courts for trials under the law.
Rahul Gandhi Remarks Trigger Lok Sabha Row
The Bill was passed amid an uproar after Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of ordering police action during the July 20 student march towards Parliament.
The government rejected the allegation and demanded that Gandhi provide evidence, withdraw his remarks or apologise.
The confrontation caused repeated disruptions following more than eight hours of debate on the legislation.
