Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill with Harsher Penalties

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of ₹50 lakh for those involved in paper leak offences. The bill was cleared amid sloganeering by opposition members. The legislation was introduced in the House by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on July 27, following widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak that culminated in the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Replying to the debate, Singh said the government had responded promptly to the NEET paper leak case and highlighted that 52 FIRs have been registered since the original anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024. He said the amendment reflects the government's willingness to strengthen the legal framework based on experience and asserted that incidents of suicides linked to examination paper leaks have declined in recent years. During his address, Singh also criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he lacked an understanding of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the government. Following the passage of the bill, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.