The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill proposing stricter punishment for paper leak offences, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore, as the Centre moves to strengthen the legal framework against examination fraud.

The proposal, cleared during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament on Monday.

Tougher Punishment for Paper Leak Offences

According to official sources, the proposed amendments prescribe a minimum prison term of five years for those found guilty of paper leaks, along with financial penalties.

Organised paper leak rackets would face the harshest punishment, with offenders liable for up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.

The existing law provides for imprisonment of three to five years for individuals involved in paper leaks, while organised offences attract jail terms of five to 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

The government said the amendments are aimed at deterring organised criminal networks and institutions involved in examination fraud, while ensuring that candidates are not penalised under the legislation.

Fast-Track Investigations and Trials

The draft legislation also introduces provisions for time-bound investigations and mandatory fast-track court proceedings.

Under the proposal, investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within three months to ensure quicker prosecution and disposal of cases.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 applies to recruitment examinations conducted by agencies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC), as well as major entrance examinations including NEET, JEE and CUET.

Move Follows Prime Minister’s Announcement

The Cabinet’s decision comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would bring legislation providing stronger legal action against paper leaks.

In a video message released around midnight, the Prime Minister said the proposed law would provide for stricter punishment and fast-track courts to deal with examination fraud.

Government sources said the amendment Bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament on Monday.

Protests Continue Over NEET Controversy

The legislative move comes amid continuing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

The outfit has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, structural reforms in the examination system and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy.

Government sources, however, said the Cabinet continues to support the Education Minister and is unlikely to accept Opposition demands for his resignation.

The Opposition has also sought an apology from the Prime Minister over the alleged police action against CJP protesters during their Parliament march on July 20.

Broader NTA Reforms Under Consideration

Apart from the legislative changes, the Centre is also examining a broader package of reforms for the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET-UG examination.

According to government sources, those reforms are expected to be finalised within the next one to two months.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was India’s first central law specifically enacted to curb paper leaks and organised examination malpractice following repeated controversies surrounding competitive examinations. Government sources noted that although similar legislation had been proposed under the National Policy on Education during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, no such law was enacted until 2024.

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