Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill With Harsher Penalties

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, following a marathon debate that stretched over two days and featured pointed political barbs between the government and the Opposition.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who replied briefly to the discussion, criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for using unparliamentary language during the debate. Singh alleged that Gandhi had employed objectionable terms and questioned whether he was aware of basic parliamentary norms. He specifically took issue with remarks that he claimed amounted to calling the country's youth "idiots," describing it as unfortunate given that the youth represent the nation's future.

The bill, aimed at strengthening deterrence against malpractices in public examinations, was debated for several hours starting Tuesday afternoon until 11 pm, before resuming on Wednesday.

Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill

The legislation significantly enhances penalties for those indulging in unfair means. The term of imprisonment has been increased to a minimum of five years, extendable up to ten years, compared to the existing three to five years. The maximum fine has been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

For service providers involved in such offences, the maximum fine will now go up to ₹5 crore, while the period of debarment from conducting public examinations has been doubled from four to eight years.

In cases of organised examination-related crimes, the minimum imprisonment has been hiked from five to seven years (up to ten years), and the maximum fine increased from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.

The Bill also empowers the Central government to constitute a Special Task Force to probe paper leaks and other examination-related offences. A new Section 12A mandates completion of investigation within two months, designates Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trials, requires completion of trials within three months of filing the charge sheet, and provides for appointment of Special Public Prosecutors.

Heated Debate and Political Barbs

The discussion saw sharp exchanges, with Rahul Gandhi launching a strong attack on the government's education policies. Gandhi alleged that the education system had been "captured by the RSS," turning it into a "cruel" and "extortion" system marked by privatisation. He claimed students were being denied the freedom to think independently, pursue their passions, or question the system, and were instead forced to accept a "nonsensical history" promoted by the RSS.

Gandhi described ongoing student protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak as a peaceful expression of the aspirations of India's youth, not violence, and urged all parties, including the BJP, to respect their voices. He also reiterated demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that real control of the ministry lay with the RSS through an OSD in the minister's office.

In response, Jitendra Singh defended the government and countered Gandhi's points. He clarified that no firing had taken place on protesters in Delhi, stating that tear gas was used and that any such orders are issued by magistrates, not ministers. Singh also mocked Gandhi's protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on July 21, suggesting it stemmed from frustration over not becoming Prime Minister.

BJP members had earlier demanded an apology from Gandhi over his remarks targeting Home Minister Amit Shah. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to certain expressions used by Gandhi, while Speaker Om Birla noted that the Leader of Opposition was disobeying the Chair in his choice of words and content.

The passage of the bill comes against the backdrop of widespread concerns over recurring paper leaks and examination irregularities affecting millions of students across the country. The stricter provisions and faster adjudication mechanisms are expected to restore credibility to the public examination system.

(With inputs from ANI)

Also Read: MEA Debunks False Claims, Calls PoJK Elections 'Cosmetic' to Camouflage Pakistan's 'Illegal & Forcible' Occupation