Parliament showdown: Anti-paper leak Bill delayed amid opposition uproar
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed repeated disruptions as the government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, while opposition parties demanded a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah on alleged police action against protesting students. The Bill proposes tougher punishment for paper leaks and examination malpractice, including up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for organised offences.
Background
The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was passed in 2024 to curb paper leaks and exam malpractices. The 2026 amendment seeks to strengthen the law by increasing minimum punishments and introducing Special Fast Track Courts.
Key facts
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Union minister Jitendra Singh amid opposition sloganeering.
The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for organised examination-related offences.
Minimum punishment for organised crime related to exam malpractice is proposed to be increased from 5 to 7 years.
For individuals found guilty, imprisonment is proposed to be a minimum of 5 years, extendable up to 10 years, with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
The legislation also proposes Special Fast Track Courts for such cases.
Opposition demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on alleged police action against protesting students, including an incident in Siwan, Bihar where a constable was suspended for using an AK-47 rifle during a protest.
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day due to disruptions; Lok Sabha to meet again at 11 am on Tuesday.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Minimum punishment for organised crime: 7 years (proposed)
- Maximum imprisonment: 10 years
- Fine for organised offences: up to Rs 10 crore
- Fine for individuals: up to Rs 50 lakh
- Special Fast Track Courts proposed
- Introduced by Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for PMO
- Monsoon Session of Parliament 2026
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Parliamentary procedures, disruptions, and legislative process
- GS2 Governance: Examination reforms and tackling paper leaks
- GS3 Security: Law and order issues during student protests