Stricter punishment, speedy probe as President Murmu assents to tweaked anti-paper leak Bill
President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The law introduces stricter punishments, including jail terms and heavy fines, to combat paper leaks in public examinations.
Why it matters
This legislation is a direct government response to widespread student protests and aims to restore integrity to the national recruitment and testing process.
An amended law that empowers states to set up fast-track courts for speedy trials of accused and enhance punishment in public examination question paper leak cases has received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu.
In a gazette notification issued on Friday (July 31, 2026), the law ministry said President Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, after it was cleared by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week.
Now, investigations into paper leak cases are to be completed within two months.
According to the legislation, individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will get jail terms for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
For organised crimes, the amended law proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to ₹10 crore.
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