Public Examinations Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha Amid Opposition Walkout
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, enhancing penalties for exam malpractices. The Lok Sabha also cleared a bill criminalising insults to the National Song 'Vande Mataram', sparking political controversy.
Background
The Public Examinations Bill aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act already covers insults to the National Flag and Constitution; the new bill extends it to the National Song.
Key facts
Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Opposition walked out during the passage, alleging the bill was to defuse student protests.
The bill enhances penalties for exam malpractices.
Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The amendment criminalises insults to 'Vande Mataram'.
The DMK opposed the National Song bill, leading to a row.
Centre defended the Public Examinations Bill as necessary to curb malpractices.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Vande Mataram
- Rajya Sabha
- Lok Sabha
- DMK
Mains angles
- Discuss the need for stringent laws to prevent exam malpractices and their impact on governance.
- Critically examine the constitutional validity of criminalising insults to the National Song.
- Analyse the political dynamics behind the opposition walkout and the DMK's objection.