The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, popularly referred to as the Anti Paper Leak Bill, through a voice vote amid opposition protests and disruptions. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and organised cheating in public examinations, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a ₹10 crore fine.The Anti Paper Leak Bill 2026 aims to deter individuals, organised groups, and institutions involved in examination fraud and to protect the integrity of competitive examinations conducted by the central government and its agencies.What Does the Anti Paper Leak Bill Propose?The exam paper leak law introduces strict punishment for those found guilty of leaking question papers or using unfair means during public examinations.Under the proposed law, individuals involved in paper leak offences can face a minimum of five years and up to 10 years of imprisonment, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.For organised crimes involving paper leak networks, the punishment becomes even stricter, with a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine that can extend to ₹10 crore.How Will Cases Be Investigated and Tried?One of the key provisions of the Anti Paper Leak Bill 2026 is the creation of a faster investigation and trial process.State governments and Union Territory administrations will be empowered to designate Special Fast-Track Courts to hear offences under the law. These courts will conduct day-to-day proceedings, and trials are expected to be completed within three months from the filing of the charge sheet.The Bill also proposes that investigations be completed within two months, ensuring quicker action against those accused of examination fraud.Watch the Full Video on Instagram:Lok Sabha Passes Anti Paper Leak BillWhat Additional Powers Does the Government Get?The legislation authorises the central government to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate serious offences related to public examinations.It also allows states and Union Territories to appoint special public prosecutors for cases under the law. In addition, any appeal against a judgment will be heard by a bench of two judges of the High Court, with disposal targeted within three months of admission.Why Is This Bill Important?The government introduced the Anti Paper Leak Bill after a series of paper leak controversies that affected major recruitment and entrance examinations across the country. Before the 2024 legislation, there was no dedicated substantive law specifically addressing organised cheating and unfair practices in competitive exam security.With the passage of the Bill in the Lok Sabha, the government has signalled a major push toward India education reforms and stronger legal action against examination fraud. The proposed law is expected to become a significant part of the government's broader anti-cheating framework for public examinations and recruitment tests.Also Read : Delhi Police Asks X To Remove Derogatory Posts Targeting Constitutional Heads
