Anti-Paper Leak Bill Cleared by Cabinet; Up to 10 Years' Jail, INR 10 Crore Fine Proposed
The Union Cabinet on Friday approved key amendments to strengthen the anti-paper leak law, introducing significantly harsher penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching INR 10 crore for individuals involved in leaking competitive examination papers.
The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill to strengthen India's anti-paper leak law, proposing significantly tougher penalties for those involved in examination paper leaks. The proposed amendments include up to 10 years of imprisonment, fines of up to INR 10 crore, and the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure quicker disposal of such cases. The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.
Harsher Punishments Proposed
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was enacted to curb malpractices in public examinations. Under the proposed changes, individuals or entities found guilty of leaking examination papers could face imprisonment of up to 10 years along with a fine that may extend to INR 10 crore. The amendments are aimed at strengthening deterrence against organised examination fraud. Paper Leak Cases: Cabinet Approves Bill for Harsher Punishment, Introduction Next Week.
Fast-Track Courts for Speedy Trials
A key feature of the proposed Bill is the creation of fast-track courts dedicated to paper leak cases. According to reports, these courts will be tasked with conducting expedited trials, with the objective of ensuring that cases are concluded within a defined timeframe. The government believes that faster investigations and trials will help improve accountability and restore confidence in the examination system.
Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament
The Centre plans to table the Bill during the second week of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Cabinet approval follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that the government would bring in stronger legal measures against paper leaks after consultations with Cabinet colleagues. Fast-Track Courts Will Ensure Justice in Paper Leaks: Arjun Ram Meghwal.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted following a series of examination paper leak incidents that affected recruitment and entrance examinations across the country, including the NEET and UGC-NET controversies.
While the existing law already provides penalties for examination-related offences, the government has argued that stricter punishments and quicker trials are necessary to tackle organised paper leak networks more effectively and protect the integrity of public examinations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2026 06:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
