New Delhi, July 24: The Central Government is preparing to strengthen India’s legal framework against examination paper leaks by proposing stricter punishments, higher financial penalties and the establishment of dedicated fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice in such cases.
The proposed amendments are expected to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the aim of tackling organised examination fraud and protecting the interests of students across the country.
According to government sources, the revised provisions may include imprisonment of up to 10 years for those found guilty of leaking examination papers or participating in organised cheating networks.
Institutions or individuals involved in such offences could also face fines of up to ₹1 crore.
The government is also considering making all offences under the law non-bailable to ensure stricter legal action against the accused.
The proposed changes are expected to be discussed by the Union Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that examination paper leaks are a serious concern affecting the future of millions of students and their families.
He stressed the need for strong legal measures to eliminate organised exam fraud and ensure transparency in the examination system.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to establish special fast-track courts for paper leak cases so that investigations and trials can be completed within a fixed time frame, enabling quicker punishment for those found guilty.
Meanwhile, a dedicated fast-track court has been designated in Delhi to handle cases related to examination paper leaks and malpractice, reflecting the government’s emphasis on expediting judicial proceedings.
The government has maintained that recent incidents have highlighted the need for stronger safeguards to protect the credibility of public examinations.
Officials said the proposed amendments are intended to deter organised crime, improve accountability and restore public confidence in the country’s examination system.
If approved by Parliament, the revised law is expected to introduce some of the toughest penalties yet for examination-related offences in India.
