Centre Introduces Bill in Lok Sabha to Fast-Track Paper Leak Trials, Impose Stricter Punishment

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 27, 2026. Minister of State for DoPT Jitendra Singh moved the Bill in the House, seeking to amend the two-year-old anti-paper leak law.

The Bill has been introduced following over a month of protests by students over the NEET-UG paper leak and related examination irregularities. One of the key proposals empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate any Court of Session as a Special Fast Track Court to try offences under the Act.

The proposed amendments mandate that proceedings in such courts be conducted on a day-to-day basis and that trials be completed within three months from the date of filing of the chargesheet. The Centre has also proposed empowering the Central Government to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate offences under the Act whenever required.

According to the Bill, investigations into paper leak cases are to be completed within two months. Another amendment empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to appoint one or more Special Public Prosecutors for conducting cases under the Act. The proposed legislation also seeks to enhance the terms of imprisonment and fines for offences committed under the Act.

Additionally, the Bill provides for an appeal mechanism under which appeals against any judgment, sentence or order would lie before a Division Bench of the High Court and are proposed to be disposed of within three months of admission.

The proposed amendments come amid intensified nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities, with student groups and opposition parties demanding greater accountability and reforms in the examination system.