Centre Plans Amendments to Increase Penalties For Paper Leak Offences

The Central government is planning to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by introducing stricter provisions against paper leaks and examination-related malpractice, according to sources. The proposed changes come amid ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent assurance that tougher measures would be taken to curb such offences.

According to sources, the Union Cabinet is expected to consider the proposed amendments during its meeting on Friday. One of the key changes under consideration is the inclusion of a provision for fast-track courts to ensure quicker trials in paper leak cases. The move follows the Prime Minister's announcement that he had directed the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite proceedings in such matters.

Sources also indicated that the amendments are likely to increase both the jail terms and financial penalties for those found guilty of involvement in paper leaks. Under the existing law, individuals convicted of paper leak offences face three to five years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to ₹10 lakh. Service providers who fail to report suspected offences can currently be fined up to ₹1 crore.

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The existing law also prescribes stricter punishment for organised examination-related crimes. Those convicted in organised paper leak cases face five to ten years of imprisonment, along with a minimum fine of ₹1 crore. The proposed amendments are expected to further strengthen these provisions as part of the government's efforts to deter organised cheating and examination fraud.

Following Cabinet approval, the Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The proposed legislation comes after Prime Minister Modi stated that the government had taken several measures over the past two-and-a-half months to address paper leak cases. He said those responsible had been arrested and that the government had prioritised conducting examinations quickly to ensure that students did not lose an academic year.

The proposed amendments have also drawn political attention. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi recently alleged that there had been 150 paper leaks over the past decade and claimed there had been no convictions in such cases. Responding to the issue, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the government would move swiftly to strengthen the law and expressed hope that the Bill would be passed in Parliament at the earliest after it is introduced.

Also Read: PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts For Paper Leaks, Rahul Gandhi Reacts