India introduces bill in Lok Sabha to crack down on exam paper leaks

Published Jul 27, 07:21 AM UTC

On July 27, 2026, the Indian government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to strengthen the anti-paper leak law enacted two years prior. The bill, moved by Minister of State Jitendra Singh, proposes establishing fast-track courts in every state and union territory for speedy trials, with proceedings to be conducted day-to-day and trials completed within three months of chargesheet filing. It also empowers the central government to form a Special Task Force (STF) for investigations, mandates completion of investigations within two months, and enhances imprisonment and fines for offenders. An appeal mechanism allows appeals to a Division Bench of the High Court, to be disposed of within three months. The legislation comes amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities, with student groups and opposition parties demanding accountability and reforms.