Anti-paper leak amendment Bill proposes fast-track trials, stricter penalties

July 29, 2026 /Posted byPrajwal EW / 0

Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter penalties and time-bound investigations and trials for offences related to paper leaks and unfair practices in public examinations.

The Bill amends the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was enacted following a series of paper leak controversies. The legislation aims to deter individuals, organised groups and institutions involved in unfair means that compromise the integrity of public examinations.

Among its key provisions, the Bill empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate sessions courts as special fast-track courts to hear offences under the Act. Trials must proceed on a day-to-day basis and be completed within three months of the filing of the charge sheet.

The proposed law also requires investigations to be completed within two months and authorises the Central government to constitute special task forces to investigate offences. State governments and UT administrations will be able to appoint one or more special public prosecutors to conduct cases under the legislation.

The Bill introduces a dedicated appeal mechanism, allowing appeals against judgments, sentences or orders to be heard by a bench of two judges of the High Court. Appeals are to be disposed of within three months of admission.

Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or other unfair means in public examinations will face imprisonment of between five and 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. Organised crimes related to examination malpractice will attract a minimum prison term of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

The legislation applies to public examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), National Testing Agency (NTA), Railway Recruitment Boards and banking recruitment agencies, among others.

Inputs from PTI

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Anti-paper leak amendment Bill proposes fast-track trials, stricter penalties

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