Rajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Heated Opposition Charges

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, a day after it was cleared by the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations.

The passage was marked by sharp exchanges between the Opposition and the Treasury benches. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge led the charge, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police excesses during student protests related to paper leaks. Kharge questioned the use of force, including lathicharges and pellet guns, and sought accountability. He claimed that over 100 students were injured and some lost eyesight, holding the Home Minister responsible.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who moved the bill, defended the government's approach, stating that the amendments reflect a willingness to learn from experience since the 2024 law. He reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy and requested all members to support the bill. The amendments include enhanced penalties and the creation of a special task force to investigate such crimes.

Kharge, however, argued that the bill merely increases penalties without addressing the root causes of recurring paper leaks. He claimed that the Opposition had suggested similar reforms in 2024 but were ignored. He also accused the government of promoting ideological appointments in educational institutions, alleging that Vice-Chancellors were being selected exclusively from RSS affiliates.

During the debate, Opposition MPs also sought an apology from Union Minister Giriraj Singh over his remarks about foreign funding during protests, leading to sloganeering from both sides.

The bill is now set to become law after receiving presidential assent. It is seen as the government's response to a series of exam paper leaks that have sparked widespread student protests in recent years.