India Approves Tougher Penalties for Examination Paper Leaks

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved amendments to the Prevention of Paper Leak law, proposing significantly tougher penalties for those involved in examination paper leaks as the Centre moved to address mounting concerns over the integrity of competitive examinations. According to sources, the proposed legislation prescribes a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for those found guilty of paper leak offences. It also seeks to increase the minimum jail term from the existing three years to five years, signaling a stricter approach to organised examination fraud. In the existing law the fine is Rs 1 crore. The sources further said that the proposed law aims to provide statutory backing for special fast track courts. “Mandate of fast track courts will be to dispose off matters and announce punishment within 3 months,” a source said, adding that it would also ensure time bound completion of probe in any future paper-leak case. The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on Thursday night that the government would introduce stronger legal measures against paper leaks. In a video message, the Prime Minister said the Cabinet would consider a draft law providing for harsher punishment and fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials of offenders. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government would introduce the Bill in Parliament at the earliest, stressing that the Prime Minister had directed there should be no delay in bringing the legislation. “We are preparing to present the Bill. After the Cabinet briefing, we will announce the timing. The Prime Minister has made it clear that there should be no delay in bringing this legislation concerning students. The country also expects this. It would not be appropriate to obstruct such a measure,” Rijiju said. The Minister accused the Congress of attempting to disrupt parliamentary proceedings and warned that any effort to stall debate on the Bill would invite public criticism.