The Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, seeking to strengthen the legal framework against examination paper leaks in the wake of the nationwide outrage over the NEET controversy. The proposed law provides for fast-track courts in every state, stricter timelines for investigations and significantly tougher penalties for offenders.

The Bill, which follows weeks of anti-paper leak protests across the country, is expected to trigger an extensive debate in the Lower House, with the NDA assigning several of its young MPs to lead the discussion. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh will introduce the legislation.

Bill Proposes Faster Trials and Tougher Punishment

The proposed amendment mandates the establishment of dedicated fast-track courts in every state to exclusively hear cases related to examination paper leaks. It also requires investigating agencies to complete probes within two months.

The legislation seeks to impose stricter punishment on those found guilty of leaking examination papers. Convicted individuals could face imprisonment of up to 10 years along with fines of up to Rs 50 lakh.

The Bill also targets organised paper leak networks, proposing financial penalties of up to Rs 10 crore for syndicates involved in such offences.

NDA Prepares for Lengthy Lok Sabha Debate

According to parliamentary sources, the legislation is expected to be debated for eight to 10 hours in the Lok Sabha.

The NDA has tasked BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Tejasvi Surya with leading the discussion. Other alliance members expected to participate include Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu of the Telugu Desam Party, JD(U)’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, NCP’s Sunil Tatkare, Apna Dal’s Anupriya Patel and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti.

Trinamool Congress MPs Sayoni Ghosh and Mitali Bag are also expected to speak during the debate.

Education Minister Faces First Question Hour

Monday’s proceedings will also mark the first Question Hour for newly appointed Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, who assumed charge after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25 amid mounting political pressure.

Questions relating to the Education Ministry have been listed for discussion in the Lok Sabha, and officials have already briefed Joshi ahead of the session.

Bill Follows Weeks of NEET Protest

The proposed legislation comes against the backdrop of the nationwide agitation over the NEET paper leak led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest began at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 20 and intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined an indefinite fast on June 28.

The movement reached a turning point on July 20 when police stopped protesters marching towards Parliament. The action led to allegations of excessive force, including claims that pellet guns had been used against students.

Delhi Police denied using pellet guns during the protest, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has not publicly responded to allegations concerning the Rapid Action Force.

The 36-day protest concluded on Saturday after the Centre accepted several key demands raised by the protesters, including the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

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