Lok Sabha approves tougher anti-paper leak law
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter penalties for examination-related offences.
Under the amended law, those convicted of serious violations could face prison terms of up to 10 years along with fines reaching Rs 50 lakh. The legislation was passed amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who introduced the bill earlier this week, said the government had strengthened the existing law based on experience gained since its implementation in 2024. He noted that 52 FIRs had been registered under the legislation and said authorities had acted quickly in cases involving examination malpractice.
Singh also stated that incidents of suicides linked to paper leak controversies had declined in recent years. During the debate, he criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his comments on parliamentary functioning. The House was adjourned for the day shortly after the bill was passed.