Government introduces stricter anti-paper leak bill with fines up to Rs 50 lakh
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament, calling it a measure to deter paper leaks and restore trust in competitive exams. The bill proposes increasing maximum fines from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment from 3-5 years to 5-10 years for offenders.
During the debate, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, a lawyer, said the amendments aim to deliver a 'strong blow to the paper leak mafia' and strengthen transparency. She quoted the legal maxim 'justice delayed is justice denied', adding that the bill combines speed with tougher punishment.
Shiv Sena (Shinde) MP Shrikant Shinde noted the devastating impact of paper leaks on students and families, recalling 21 student suicides. He described the bill as a 'foolproof remedy' (pakka ilaj).
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya accused the Opposition of politicising the issue, saying students want a system that protects their future. He contrasted the 'Modi model of hope and reform' with the Opposition's 'cynicism and anarchism'.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur cited the NEET exam leak on May 3, 2026, saying the government cancelled the paper within nine days and conducted a re-examination to avoid wasting a year. He argued the Modi government would find a permanent solution to paper leaks, as it had with terrorism and Maoism.
The government has not yet released an official statement on the bill's timeline for passage. Opposition parties have criticised the bill as insufficient or have demanded further reforms, though their specific amendments were not detailed in the debate.
