Union Cabinet Clears Draft Bill for 10-Year Jail, Rs 10 Crore Fine in Exam Paper Leak Cases
The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill amending The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introducing stringent penalties including a jail term up to 10 years and a fine up to Rs 10 crore for those involved in exam paper leaks. The decision comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts and a tough new law to curb the menace.
According to official sources, the Bill also provides statutory backing for fast-track courts and mandates a five-month timeline for investigation and trial of such cases. The move is aimed at addressing widespread concerns over recurring exam paper leaks, particularly the recent NEET controversy that sparked protests across the country.
Separately, a mandir-masjid row has emerged in West Bengal's Malda district, where a Hindu group plans to install a Shiva Lingam outside the 650-year-old Adina Mosque, claiming it was originally a temple. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) considers it the largest medieval mosque in the subcontinent. Police and ASI have prohibited religious activities inside the premises.
In Delhi, police are reportedly tracking restaurants and cafes that supplied free food to protesters at Jantar Mantar, using discarded wrappers to identify outlets. Owners have been asked to stop bulk deliveries and provide records of orders.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has reiterated its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, giving a 24-hour ultimatum. The government, however, remains unwilling to concede. Talks between Union Ministers and CJP spokespersons took place at the Constitution Club.
What began as a protest against NEET paper leaks has broadened into a wider agitation against youth unemployment and stagnant incomes. The movement gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised during a hunger strike. Protesters interviewed by The Indian Express expressed deep frustrations over labour market conditions.
