The Union Government, Monday, July 27, 2026) introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, which proposed significantly tougher penalties for examination paper leaks. Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the bill, which seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act of two years ago.The bill comes after a student-led agitation over paper leaks, which led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The government’s stated objective, according to the text of the bill, is to deter individuals, organized groups and institutions from resorting to unfair means that affect the sanctity of public oppositions.However, despite Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla offering a six-hour window for discussion of the bill, no debate took place Monday. The House adjourned for the day amid opposition protests demanding a government statement on the use of police force against protesters in Delhi during a march to Parliament on July 20.
What the bill proposes
The amendment substantially increases the punishment for those convicted under the Act.
- The maximum prison sentence for individuals has been increased from five years to ten years.
- The fine for individual offenders has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- Directors, senior staff and officials found to have colluded in a paper leak now face five years in prison, up from three years.
- For organized crime, the maximum jail term has been increased from five years to seven years and the fine has been increased from 1 to 10 million rupees.
Special Task Force and Research Timeline
The bill allows the Union government to refer any paper leak incident to a central investigative agency. It also retains the government’s autonomy to set up a separate task force to investigate such crimes. To ensure timely action, the bill sets a deadline of two months to complete investigations.
special Fast track courts
The amendment proposes the creation of special fast-track courts in all states and Union territories to speed up verdicts. These courts must hold hearings daily and complete trials within three months of the filing of the case file.To support speedy prosecution, the bill asks the state and Union governments to appoint one or more special prosecutors. It also proposes an appeal mechanism under which two judges of the High Court will hear appeals against judgments of the Fast Track Court. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the judgment and resolved within three months from the date of admission. The Bill states that delays in excess of 90 days will only be allowed if the High Court is satisfied with the reason provided.
Amendments and adjournments
Speaker Om Birla pointed out that 91 amendments have been tabled in the bill and stressed the need for a unified approach to reform the country’s opposition system. Discussion on the bill, however, was moved to a later date after the House adjourned over opposition protest.Opposition parties also demonstrated outside Parliament on Monday against the use of force on protesters during the July 20 march and said they will continue to hold the Union Home Minister accountable for the incident.