NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by voice vote, amid repeated disruptions as the Opposition questioned the government over police action against students.
The bill, introduced on July 27 by Union minister Jitendra Singh, prescribes stricter punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹50 lakh for those involved in examination paper leaks. It also increases penalties for organised crimes and service providers, mandates investigations within two months and trials within three months through special fast-track courts, and provides a dedicated appeal mechanism.
The legislation comes weeks after nationwide student protests over the NEET paper-leak controversy led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister.
Proceedings saw disruptions over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and allegations that police fired pellet guns on student protesters during the July 20 Sansad Chalo march from Jantar Mantar, with BJP and NDA members demanding an apology.
Defending the bill, Minister Jitendra Singh said 52 FIRs have been lodged since the original anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024, and that the amendment reflected the government’s willingness to strengthen it based on experience.