Dr Jitendra Singh Introduces Bill to Tighten Anti-Paper Leak Law, Speed Up Trials

NEW DELHI, Jul 27: The Centre on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter punishments, fast-tracked investigations and speedy trials to curb question paper leaks and organised examination-related malpractices. The Bill was introduced by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and seeks to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by enhancing accountability and ensuring swift action against offenders. Under the proposed amendments, the punishment for individuals using unfair means in public examinations will be increased to a minimum of five years' imprisonment, extendable up to ten years, compared to the existing provision of three to five years. The maximum fine is proposed to be raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. For service providers found involved in examination malpractices, the Bill proposes increasing the maximum penalty from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore and extending the debarment period from conducting public examinations from four years to eight years. It also provides for enhanced punishment for managerial personnel of such service providers, including imprisonment of five to ten years and fines of up to ₹5 crore. To tackle organised examination-related crimes more effectively, the proposed legislation increases the minimum imprisonment to seven years, extendable to ten years, while raising the maximum fine from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore. The Bill also empowers the Central Government to refer investigations to a Special Task Force and proposes the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day hearings. Investigations are to be completed within two months, trials within three months of filing the charge sheet, and appeals before High Courts disposed of, as far as possible, within three months. The government said the amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks, impersonation and organised cheating, while ensuring transparency, fairness and public confidence in the country's examination system.