President Murmu Assents to Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill, 2026
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, days after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament. The amendment introduces stricter penalties for examination-related malpractices, reflecting the government's commitment to protecting student interests and ensuring integrity in public exams.
Background
The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was enacted in 2024 to address paper leaks and unfair practices. The 2026 amendment strengthens the law with harsher punishments and provisions for organised offences.
Key facts
President Murmu's assent was notified in a Gazette notification by the Ministry of Law and Justice on August 1, 2026.
The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier in the week; the Rajya Sabha passed it via voice vote amid a walkout by several Opposition parties from the INDIA bloc.
Under the amended law, individuals guilty of paper leaks or unfair means face imprisonment of 5 to 10 years and a fine up to Rs 50 lakh.
For organised offences, the minimum jail term is 7 years and a fine of not less than Rs 10 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the law is stringent against paper leaks and emphasised using technology to strengthen the examination system.
The amendments aim to curb the 'paper-leak mafia' and protect students' futures.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Gazette notification by Ministry of Law and Justice
- Punishment: 5-10 years imprisonment, fine up to Rs 50 lakh
- Organised offences: minimum 7 years, fine not less than Rs 10 crore
- Passed by Rajya Sabha via voice vote, Lok Sabha cleared earlier
- Opposition walkout by INDIA bloc parties
Mains angles
- Discuss the need for stringent laws to prevent examination malpractices in India.
- Critically examine the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, and their implications for governance.
- Evaluate the role of technology in ensuring transparency and integrity in public examinations.