The Union Cabinet has approved a draft Paper Leak Bill proposing significantly tougher punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹10 crore.

The proposed legislation will amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, strengthening penalties against organised paper leak networks while protecting candidates from punitive action.

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The bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

What changes does the Paper Leak Bill propose?

Under the proposed amendments, individuals convicted of paper leaks could face a minimum prison sentence of five years, with punishment extending up to 10 years in serious cases.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks during a cabinet briefing
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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks during a Union cabinet briefing/ ANI

The bill also proposes financial penalties of up to ₹10 crore for those found guilty of organised paper leak operations.

At present, the 2024 law prescribes imprisonment ranging from three to five years for individuals and five to 10 years, along with a minimum fine of ₹1 crore, for organised cheating and paper leak rackets.

The objective is to crack down on organised criminal networks and institutions involved in unfair examination practices for financial gain.

Will fast-track courts hear paper leak cases?

The Centre is also considering giving statutory backing to special fast-track courts to hear paper leak cases. According to people aware of the proposal, these courts may be mandated to conclude trials and deliver judgments within three months.

PM Modi pushes for fast-track courts as Centre unveils tougher Paper Leak Bill.
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PM Modi promises tougher paper leak action as student protests continue in Delhi | ANI

A person familiar with the Cabinet decision said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stressed that those responsible for paper leaks would face strict action and no accused would escape punishment.

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Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government intends to move the bill without delay.

“The government has been ready from day one for discussion on a serious issue like NEET paper leak. But the opposition has been consistently running away from discussion,” Rijiju said.

The Opposition, however, has maintained that Parliament cannot function normally unless Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over the alleged paper leak controversy.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on X that the government should first dismiss the education minister, apologise to students and act against those responsible for police action on protesters before discussing reforms in Parliament.

FAQs

Q1. What punishment does the proposed Paper Leak Bill prescribe?


The draft bill proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹10 crore for those involved in paper leaks.

Q2. Will paper leak cases be heard in fast-track courts?


According to people familiar with the proposal, the government plans to provide statutory backing for special fast-track courts that could dispose of such cases within three months.