Government Tables Bill to Speed Up Paper Leak Trials, Raise Jail Terms and Fines

The Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, proposing fast-track courts, stricter punishments, and quicker investigations to strengthen action against paper leaks and examination fraud.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 2024 anti-paper leak law, making investigations mandatory within two months while directing states and Union Territories to establish special fast-track courts for hearing such cases. The Bill also requires proceedings to continue on a day-to-day basis, with trials expected to conclude within three months after filing of the chargesheet.

Under the amendment, individuals convicted of paper leaks or other unfair examination practices could face five to ten years' imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. Organised crime related to examination fraud would attract a minimum seven-year jail term and fines reaching Rs 10 crore, significantly strengthening the existing legal framework.

The Bill, cleared by the Union Cabinet on Friday, has been listed for introduction, consideration and passage on the same day in the Lok Sabha, an uncommon legislative schedule.

The government announced the proposed changes after widespread student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak controversy. The agitation had also disrupted Parliament proceedings, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised stronger legal measures and dedicated fast-track courts for such offences.

Besides stricter punishment, the Bill empowers the Central Government to constitute a special task force for investigations whenever required. It also introduces detailed norms covering examination security, biometric registration, candidate verification, question paper handling, invigilation, post-examination processes, and reporting of malpractice.

The legislation identifies 15 punishable offences, including leaking question papers, tampering with OMR sheets, creating fake examination websites, issuing forged admit cards, and other organised acts that threaten the transparency, credibility, and fairness of India's public examination system nationwide.