President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Bill
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Bill amending the anti-paper leak law, days after Parliament passed the legislation to introduce stricter penalties for examination-related malpractices.In a Gazette notification issued on Friday, the ministry of law and justice said the President has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, days after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week. The Centre said the amendments highlight its commitment to strengthening the integrity of public examinations and safeguarding the interests of students.The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote on Thursday amid a walkout by several Opposition parties belonging to the INDIA bloc. The Lok Sabha had cleared the legislation a day earlier.
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Soon after Parliament passed the Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video message on Instagram, saying that the “important task of making a stringent law against paper leaks has been completed.” The Prime Minister said the government was taking steps to curb paper leaks and examination malpractices, adding that it had become imperative to strengthen the examination system through the use of the latest technology. He also said the government was working to ensure that “no paper-leak mafia plays with the future of students.”Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or using unfair means in public examinations will face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.For organised offences, the legislation prescribes a minimum jail term of seven years and a fine of not less than Rs 10 crore.
