New Anti-Paper Leak Legislation Brings Stricter Penalties
Indiadailyupdate.com – Up to 10 years in jail could now face individuals involved in competitive examination paper leaks, as the Union government moves to strengthen legal frameworks against malpractice. Days after the ouster of former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread student protests, the government tabled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced this crucial amendment bill, which is specifically aimed at preventing future paper leaks in competitive exams across the country. The bill seeks to amend the existing Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introducing comprehensive changes to how examination fraud is handled legally.
Key Provisions and Enhanced Investigation Powers
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 aims to enhance transparency in the public examination system by strengthening the legal provisions established under the 2024 Act. One of the most significant additions is the introduction of a Special Task Force for investigation purposes. Under the existing Act, the central government may refer investigation of offences to any central investigating agency. However, the new Bill adds a critical timeline requirement: investigation of offences must now be completed within two months, ensuring faster justice delivery for victims of paper leaks.
Another major provision involves the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts. The Bill requires every state and union territory to designate a Court of Session as a Special Fast Track Court to try offences under the Act. These Special Fast Track Courts will also try any connected offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or other relevant laws, all within the same trial. This consolidation of cases will significantly reduce the backlog and ensure expeditious resolution of examination-related crimes.
The new legislation introduces up to 10 years in jail for serious offenders, along with fines of up to Rs 10 crores and confiscation of assets of those convicted of examination fraud.
The Bill also strengthens the debarment provisions for service providers. Under the existing Act, a service provider engaging in unfair means is debared for four years from being assigned any responsibility for the conduct of any public examination. This provision remains unchanged but is now supported by stricter enforcement mechanisms and faster trial procedures.
Timeline improvements form another cornerstone of the new legislation. The Bill adds that trials must be conducted on a day-to-day basis, with the Court permitted to adjourn to the following day only if necessary, after recording reasons in writing. Most importantly, the trial must be completed within three months from the date of filing of the chargesheet, ensuring that justice is not delayed indefinitely.
Appeal mechanisms have also been streamlined under the new Bill. Appeals against judgments, sentences, or orders of the Special Fast Track Courts will now lie before a bench of two Judges of the High Court. These appeals must be disposed of, as far as possible, within three months from admission. Additionally, appeals against orders granting or refusing bail will also lie before the High Court, with such appeals required to be filed within 30 days of the order. The penalty framework remains robust, with offenders facing up to 10 years in jail, substantial fines, and potential asset confiscation, making this legislation one of the toughest anti-paper leak measures introduced to date.
