Parliament passes anti-paper leak amendment bill with stricter punishment

The Indian Parliament has passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking a significant legislative effort to curb irregularities in competitive examinations. According to Greater Kashmir, the bill was cleared in the Rajya Sabha via a voice vote on Thursday, following its passage in the Lok Sabha the previous day. The session was marked by a walkout from several opposition parties belonging to the India bloc.

The newly passed legislation introduces stringent penalties for those found guilty of compromising the integrity of public examinations. Under the provisions of the amendment, individuals involved in paper leaks or the use of unfair means face a minimum jail term of five years, extending up to a maximum of 10 years. Additionally, offenders may be subject to fines reaching up to Rs 50 lakh.

For cases identified as organized crime, the bill mandates even harsher consequences. The proposed legislation stipulates a minimum sentence of seven years for those involved in such syndicates, alongside a financial penalty of no less than Rs 10 crore. Government officials have stated that these measures reflect a commitment to protecting the interests of students and ensuring a fair and transparent examination process across the country.