Bill proposes 3-month deadline for HCs to dispose of paper leak appeals

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill proposes a three-month deadline for high courts to dispose of appeals against orders of special fast-track courts in exam paper leak cases.

The bill increases minimum jail terms: five years for individuals and service provider personnel, and seven years for organised crime, with a maximum of 10 years.

Investigations must be completed within two months; if a Special Task Force is constituted, it will conduct the probe.

States may establish special fast-track courts, in consultation with the chief justice of the respective high court, to conduct day-to-day trials and dispose of cases within three months from chargesheet filing.

Appeals against fast-track court orders must be filed within 30 days, extendable to 90 days, and heard by a division bench of the high court.