Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Speed Up Paper Leak Cases with Fast-Track Courts

The Lok Sabha on 29 July 2026 passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, to tighten legal action against paper leaks and examination-related crimes. The Bill establishes Special Fast-Track Courts and Special Task Forces to investigate offences under the 2024 Act.

The amendments include enhanced penalties: imprisonment increased from 3–5 years to 5–10 years for certain offences, and fines raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Investigations must conclude within two months and trials within three months of chargesheet filing. The framework also appoints Special Public Prosecutors and a dedicated appellate mechanism to expedite case disposal.

The measures aim to deter organised examination fraud and ensure time-bound justice through stricter enforcement and faster judicial resolution.