The anti-paper leak bill was taken up for debate in the Lok Sabha this week, with the government proposing significantly stricter penalties to curb organised cheating and question paper leaks in public examinations. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening the existing 2024 law.
What the anti-paper leak bill proposes
The amendment seeks to enhance punishment for individuals found using unfair means. The minimum jail term has been raised from 3 years to 5 years, with the maximum extendable term increased from 5 years to 10 years. The maximum fine for individual offenders has also been raised, from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
For service providers and examination bodies found complicit in malpractice, the anti-paper leak bill proposes raising the maximum fine from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, and extending the debarment period from conducting public examinations from 4 years to 8 years. Managerial personnel of such service providers will also face imprisonment of not less than 5 years, extendable to 10 years.
Fast-Tracked Investigation and Trial
Beyond penalties, the anti-paper leak bill introduces provisions for fast-tracked investigation and trial through Special Fast Track Courts, and appointment of Special Public Prosecutors. It also mandates time-bound disposal of appeals, requiring High Courts to decide appeals within three months of admission, and bars appeals from being entertained after 90 days from the date of judgment.
Parliamentary Debate
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla allocated a six-hour discussion window for the Bill, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stating that the government was prepared to extend the debate to 10 hours if required. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, initiating the discussion, said the legislation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of students and youth and reflected a broader push to bring greater transparency and accountability to the examination system.
The Opposition raised sharp objections during the debate. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi questioned the effectiveness of the existing 2024 law, pointing to the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, where he said 44 of 45 chargesheeted individuals had already secured bail. He argued that stronger provisions on paper would mean little without stricter enforcement on the ground.
