New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law, introducing stricter punishment of up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, amid sloganeering by opposition members.
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen penalties for examination-related malpractices, was introduced in the House by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on July 27, days after large-scale student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking during the debate, Singh said the government had acted swiftly in the NEET paper leak case and noted 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 against examination fraud. Singh also claimed that the number of suicides linked to paper leaks had declined in recent years.
The minister criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he lacked knowledge of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the government.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day shortly after the bill was passed.