Cabinet Clears Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Up to 10-Year Jail & Rs 10 Crore Fine
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Prevention of Paper Leak law, proposing stricter penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment and Rs 10 crore fine. This comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for stronger safeguards for competitive exams.
Background
The original anti-paper leak law had a minimum imprisonment of 3 years. The new amendments seek to increase the minimum to 5 years and introduce a maximum of 10 years with higher fines.
Key facts
Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Prevention of Paper Leak law on July 24, 2026.
Proposed maximum jail term: 10 years; fine up to Rs 10 crore.
Minimum imprisonment increased from 3 years to 5 years.
Bill to be introduced in Parliament soon, as per Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
PM Modi directed no delay in bringing the Bill.
Move follows nationwide protests over NEET exam irregularities.
Government accuses Opposition of disrupting Parliament to prevent discussion on NEET paper leak.
Prelims pointers
- Prevention of Paper Leak law (existing)
- Union Cabinet approval date: July 24, 2026
- Proposed minimum jail term: 5 years
- Proposed maximum jail term: 10 years
- Proposed maximum fine: Rs 10 crore
- Related exam: NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
- Minister: Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary Affairs)
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Role of Cabinet in lawmaking; Parliament's legislative process and disruptions.
- GS3 Security: Challenges in maintaining integrity of competitive exams; measures to prevent paper leaks.
- GS2 Governance: Accountability and transparency in public examinations; student protests and government response.