Modi Cabinet Approves Paper Leak Amendment Bill, Proposes Up to 10 Years’ Jail and Rs 10 Crore Fine

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the proposed Paper Leak Amendment Bill aimed at curbing incidents of examination paper leaks and strengthening the legal framework against those involved in such offences.

According to government sources, the proposed amendments include stringent provisions against individuals and organised groups involved in paper leaks. The bill also seeks to provide legal backing to special fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of paper leak cases.

Under the proposed law, those found involved in paper leaks could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The government said the stringent measures are aimed at ensuring transparency in the examination system and protecting the future of students.

Sources said the amendment bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament next week, with the possibility of being tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 27.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the issue in a video message, said that paper leaks were not a trivial matter but a deeply distressing issue for lakhs of students and their parents.

The Prime Minister said the government had taken several measures over the past two-and-a-half months, including the arrest and imprisonment of several accused. He also said that examinations for around 22 lakh students were conducted within a short period to ensure that their academic year was not wasted, with the results declared on July 19.

PM Modi further said that the government was not satisfied with these measures alone and had decided to establish fast-track courts for the speedy resolution of paper leak cases.

Meanwhile, the issue of paper leaks also triggered heated scenes in both Houses of Parliament on Friday. Following the disruptions, proceedings in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until Sunday.