Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 29: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 through a voice vote, following a heated debate that continued for several hours over two days.

The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the objective of strengthening transparency and accountability in the examination system while safeguarding the interests of students.

The proposed amendments include stricter punishments for examination-related offences, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets of those found guilty and a mechanism aimed at ensuring that verdicts are delivered within three months.

The legislation follows the Union Cabinet's approval of provisions to establish fast-track courts and impose tougher penalties in cases involving paper leaks and examination fraud.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced that a comprehensive Bill with stringent measures against paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament.

Under the proposed framework, fast-track courts will be required to complete trials and pronounce judgments within three months in examination-related offences to ensure speedy justice.

The Bill comes amid protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the large-scale ‘Sansad Chalo’ demonstration held in New Delhi on July 20, where hundreds of students protested against NEET paper leaks and other examination issues.

The protest later turned violent, leading security personnel to use force to disperse the crowd. Several protesters and police personnel were injured during the clashes.

The demonstrators had also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan subsequently submitted his resignation on July 25.