Government to Amend Anti-Cheating Law, Fast-Track Courts Proposed for Paper Leak Cases

The Government is preparing to strengthen the current anti-cheating regulations, according to sources. This comes just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of exam paper leaks in a video message.

According to the sources, the government is amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The sources stated on Friday that the proposed amendments might be approved at the Cabinet meeting later in the day.

Government Plans Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Measures

The legislation may also include a clause establishing fast-track courts to handle cases of paper leaks, in keeping with PM Modi's statement. The proposed rules will result in harsher penalties and longer jail terms, sources said.

Currently, the legislation imposes a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and a prison sentence of three to five years in individual cases. Furthermore, engaging in malpractice during a public examination could result in a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for service providers.

In the meantime, participants in organised networks who engage in examination malpractice face a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore and a prison sentence of five to ten years.

Parliament to Take Up Paper Leak Bill

PM Modi announced on Thursday that a bill outlining strict measures to combat paper leaks will be presented in Parliament the following week.

Just before midnight, he made the announcement in a video uploaded to X. He stated that the Union Cabinet would convene on Friday to discuss the specifics of the proposed law.

PM Modi stated in the video message,

"The cabinet will discuss the issue of paper leaks on Friday and taking suggestions of the cabinet colleagues, further action would be finalised.

"On Monday, when the second week of the Monsoon session of Parliament will begin, a bill will be brought with provisions for strong action against paper leaks, and we will try to pass it as early as possible," he remarked in the selfie video.

Sonam Wangchuk Breaks 26-Day Fast

Less than two hours after PM Modi's statement, Sonam Wangchuk ended his prolonged hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and JP Nadda at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

The 59-year-old activist had been fasting for 26 days. The indefinite hunger strike was part of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) larger campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-UG Paper Leak.