Anti-Paper Leak Bill 2026: Cabinet Clears Amendment, Fast-Track Courts to Handle Cases
New Delhi, 24th July 2026: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill, paving the way for stricter legal action against those involved in examination paper leaks. The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament on July 27.
The Cabinet’s approval comes a day after Prime Minister Modi released a video message addressed to students, assuring them that the government would introduce stronger legal provisions to curb paper leaks and ensure swift punishment for offenders.
PM Modi Promises Tougher Law
In a 2-minute, 56-second video posted on X shortly after midnight on Thursday, the Prime Minister described paper leaks as a serious issue affecting millions of students and their families.
“Paper leaks are not a trivial issue. They cause immense pain to lakhs of students and their parents. Over the past two-and-a-half months, we have taken several steps against those responsible. The accused have been arrested and are in jail. It was our responsibility to ensure that students did not lose an academic year, so examinations for 22 lakh students were conducted within a short period, and the results were declared on July 19,” Modi said.
He added that the government was not satisfied with the action taken so far and had directed the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure the speedy trial of paper leak cases.
Bill Follows NEET UG Paper Leak Controversy
The proposed amendment follows the alleged NEET UG paper leak on May 3, which triggered nationwide protests by students demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has conducted searches in several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi. So far, 13 accused have been arrested, and the agency is expected to file its chargesheet soon.
Government Steps Up Action
The government has intensified its response to the controversy over the past several weeks.
During the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on July 21, Prime Minister Modi described paper leaks as a “grave sin” and said those responsible would face stringent punishment.
On July 23, he announced that fast-track courts would be established for the speedy disposal of paper leak cases, reiterating that protecting the future of India’s youth remains the government’s top priority.
Existing Anti-Paper Leak Law
India already has the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which came into force on June 21, 2024.
The law provides for three to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹10 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks. Organised crime syndicates involved in examination fraud can face five to ten years in prison and fines of up to ₹1 crore.
Examination agencies found guilty of negligence or involvement can also face penalties, including fines of up to ₹1 crore, recovery of the entire examination cost and a ban on conducting examinations for up to four years.
Opposition Demands Accountability
The government’s announcement drew criticism from the Opposition.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister’s video message and reiterated the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He also called for action against those responsible for the alleged assault on protesting students in Delhi.
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for nearly a month over the alleged NEET paper leak, also demanded Pradhan’s removal, arguing that it would be the strongest possible action against examination irregularities.
The proposed amendment is expected to strengthen the existing legal framework by introducing tougher provisions aimed at deterring paper leaks and ensuring faster prosecution of those involved.
