Centre Tightens Anti-Paper Leak Law: 10-Year Jail, Rs 10 Crore Fine, Fast-Track Courts in 3 Months

New Delhi — The central government has moved to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 amid nationwide student protests over NEET and other exam paper leaks.

A day after PM Narendra Modi’s video message promising tougher action, sources said the government has approved key amendments to the law. The Amendment Bill is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Key Changes Proposed

1. Fast-Track Courts

Special fast-track courts will be set up to hear paper leak cases. These courts will be required to complete trials and announce punishment within 3 months.

PM Modi had on Thursday said he had directed departments to move on fast-track courts.

“Today, the departments worked hard and gave me approval late at night. Tomorrow there will be a discussion in the Cabinet. From Monday, when Parliament resumes, we will try to get that Bill passed as soon as possible,” the PM said in a video statement.

2. Harsher Punishment 

• Jail term: Increased to up to 10 years from the current 3 to 5 years 
• Fine: Increased to up to Rs 10 crore from the current Rs 10 lakh

For organized cheating rackets, the current law already provides 5 to 10 years in jail with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

Service providers who fail to report a possible leak can currently be fined up to Rs 1 crore.

PM Modi’s Message

In his late-night video on Thursday, PM Modi called paper leaks “very painful for lakhs of students and their families.”

“The culprits have been caught and are in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students do not waste a single year. We used full power to conduct exams for at least 22 lakh students,” he said.

He added that the Delhi High Court has also announced a fast-track court to hear such cases.

Opposition Response

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed there have been 150 paper leaks in the last 10 years with “zero convictions.”

After PM Modi’s video, Gandhi reiterated the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.