Centre proposes tougher anti-paper leak law with longer jail terms, faster trials

The HinduIndependentCenter9 hr. ago

On July 27, 2026, the Indian Union Government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to address exam paper leaks by increasing penalties for offenders, including longer prison terms and higher fines. Key provisions include raising maximum imprisonment from five to ten years for individuals, from three to five years for officials involved, and from five to seven years for organized offenses. Fines are also significantly increased, from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh for individuals and from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore for organizations. The bill also establishes Special Fast Track Courts for expedited trials and mandates the formation of a Special Task Force to investigate leaks within two months. Appeals against these courts' decisions will be handled by High Court judges within specified timeframes.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the introduction of a legislative proposal with detailed legal provisions, focusing on the content and intent of the bill rather than taking a partisan stance. While the issue of exam cheating is politically sensitive, the article remains neutral in tone, providing factual and客观

Scroll.inIndependentCenter2 days ago

The Indian Central government has proposed an amendment to the Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Act, aiming to strengthen penalties for exam malpractice. The 2026 Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Amendment Bill introduces stricter punishments, including imprisonment of five to ten years for those caught using unfair means, compared to the current three to five years. It also increases fines from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for individuals and raises the minimum penalty for organized exam-related offenses from five to seven years, with fines increasing to Rs 10 crore. The bill establishes a Special Task Force for investigations and mandates completion within two months, while states are empowered to create Special Fast Track Courts for quicker disposal of cases. These proposals follow nationwide protests demanding educational reforms, which led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the withdrawal of the Cockroach Janta Party's agitation.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a legislative proposal with potential implications for governance and public policy, it presents the information in a balanced manner without overtly favoring any political ideology. The focus is on the legal and procedural aspects of the proposed amendment rather than on