New Delhi, July 30 (NVI) A proposed legislation providing for stricter punishment in the case of exam paper leaks was today approved by Parliament, making it a step short of becoming the law.
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Rajya Sabha today by a voice vote amidst walkout by the opposition.
The bill to amend a law of 2024 was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday.
According to the bill, individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will get jail terms for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
For organised crimes, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.
The amendment bill seeks to empower all the state governments and Union Territories administrations to designate any court of session to be a special fast-track court to try offences under the proposed law.
It also provides that the proceedings in such courts are continued on a day-to-day basis and the trial is completed within three months from the date of filing of the charge sheet.
The bill also empowers the central government to constitute a special task force for investigation of any offence, if necessary. (NVI)
