Government proposes stricter anti-paper leak law, faster investigation and trials

The Indian government proposes the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill to strengthen anti-paper leak laws.

Minimum jail term for individuals and service provider officials involved in paper leaks is increased to three years; for organised crime, minimum imprisonment is proposed at seven years.

Any person using unfair means faces imprisonment of at least five years (up to 10 years) and a fine up to Rs 50 lakh.

Service providers found guilty face fines up to Rs 5 crore (five-fold increase) and an eight-year debarment from conducting public examinations.

Investigations must be completed within two months, with day-to-day trials and provisions for Special Fast Track courts and a Central Investigation Agency or Special Task Force.