Lok Sabha passes tough anti-paper leak Bill with 7-year jail, Rs 10 crore fine; Rajya Sabha clears amended Vande Mataram Bill
PTC Web Desk: Parliament on Wednesday approved two significant pieces of legislation, with the Lok Sabha passing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, while the Rajya Sabha cleared a separate bill that makes the insult of Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
Both bills were passed amid the ongoing Monsoon Session, with the anti-paper leak legislation receiving approval in the Lok Sabha through a voice vote despite disruptions by the Opposition.
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The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha after an extensive discussion that lasted nearly nine hours on Tuesday.
The House approved the legislation on Wednesday through a voice vote amid protests by Opposition members.
The amendment significantly strengthens the legal framework against examination-related fraud by introducing tougher penalties for those involved in paper leak cases.
Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of offences related to examination paper leaks can now face a maximum prison term of 10 years.
The legislation also provides for a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, making it one of the toughest legal provisions introduced to curb organised exam fraud and protect the integrity of public examinations.
The government has maintained that stricter punishment is necessary to prevent paper leaks and ensure fairness in competitive examinations across the country.
In another key legislative development, the Rajya Sabha passed a Bill that makes the insult of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. The legislation provides for legal action against individuals found guilty of insulting the national song. With the Upper House approving the Bill, it marks another significant development during the current session of Parliament.
- PTC NEWS
