New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, providing for stricter penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, amid sloganeering by Opposition members.
The legislation was introduced in the House on July 27 by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, days after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following large-scale student protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over alleged examination paper leaks.
Replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha, Jitendra Singh said the government had acted swiftly in the NEET paper leak case and that 52 FIRs had been registered since the anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024.
He said the amendment reflected the government’s willingness to learn from experience and strengthen the legal framework to curb examination-related malpractice.
The minister also claimed that the number of suicides linked to paper leak incidents had declined in recent years.
Targeting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Jitendra Singh alleged that the Congress leader lacked an understanding of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the government.
Soon after the Bill was passed, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.
