As part of its efforts to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices, the Centre on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill was introduced by Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh amid persistent sloganeering by Opposition members.
Appealing to members to allow a discussion on the legislation, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described the Bill as an important measure that the country had been awaiting and urged the House to function smoothly.
“For days, you have been demanding a discussion, and today we are discussing it. Whatever suggestions you give, the government will work on implementing them. This is democracy. I urge the House to engage in discussion and debate instead of sloganeering. Do you not want to discuss?” Birla said.
Despite his appeal, the protests continued, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till 2 p.m.
The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to strengthen transparency and integrity in the conduct of public examinations through stricter legal provisions.
The proposed amendments provide for imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to ₹10 crore, the establishment of fast-track courts for paper leak and examination fraud cases, and a mechanism to ensure that such cases are decided within three months.
The legislation comes after the Union Cabinet approved the proposed amendments on Friday, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would bring a comprehensive law providing stringent punishment for paper leaks and examination malpractices.
On Sunday, PM Modi also announced the constitution of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, headed by technology expert Nandan Nilekani.
