The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote, introducing stricter measures to curb examination malpractices and paper leaks across the country.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi welcomed the bill’s passage, saying it is designed to “dismantle the paper leak ecosystem” by strengthening the legal framework against exam fraud.
According to Joshi, the legislation provides for stricter penalties, fast-track courts, enhanced investigation mechanisms, and tougher action against those involved in examination-related offences, with the goal of improving transparency, credibility, and fairness in public examinations.
The bill was passed amid heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha over the recent police action against students protesting the NEET paper leak controversy at Jantar Mantar.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of authorizing the use of force against protesters, alleging that students were fired upon during the demonstration. The BJP strongly rejected the claims, calling them baseless, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an apology and urged that the remarks be expunged from the parliamentary record.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reminded members that serious allegations made in Parliament must be supported by evidence, as disruptions briefly interrupted proceedings before the House continued its business.
