Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Uproar
New Delhi, July 29: The Lok Sabha today passed a bill that proposes stricter punishment for paper leak offences, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was approved by voice vote in the Lower House of Parliament, amid repeated disruptions as the Opposition attacked the government over police action against protesting students at Jantar Mantar recently.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 27 by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, aims to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which came into effect in 2024.
What the Bill Proposes
Besides imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for paper leak, the bill proposes enhanced penalties for organised crime networks and service providers involved in such offences.
It also mandates completion of investigations within two months and trials within three months through dedicated fast track courts, and establishes a specific appeal mechanism before high courts.
Opposition Targets Government Over Police Action
During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had authorised the use of force against students during the July 20 protest march led by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar.
Gandhi said the authorisation to use force could only come from the Home Minister or the Prime Minister.
His remarks drew immediate pushback from the Treasury benches, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asking Gandhi to substantiate the claim.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected the allegation, stating that no bullets were fired and no order to open fire had been issued during the protest.
He clarified that police had used only tear gas during the operation, adding that any order to open fire could only be issued by a magistrate, not by police themselves.
Singh also stated that the government had acted swiftly on the NEET paper leak case, noting that 52 FIRs have been registered since the anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024.
The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha for passage.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following the passage of the Bill. (BVI)
