Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy, tabled the bill, which seeks to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 enacted to curb unfair practices and organised cheating networks in public examinations.
The move comes amid protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak issue.
The bill proposes increasing the punishment for individuals convicted under the law from the existing imprisonment of three to five years to a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years. The maximum fine has also been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
For private agencies and service providers engaged by examination authorities for conducting exams, printing papers, logistics or technology support, the proposed law increases the maximum penalty from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. The period of debarment from participating in public examinations would also be extended from four years to eight years.
The bill proposes stricter action against directors, senior management and persons responsible for companies involved in examination fraud. If their involvement or connivance is established, the minimum imprisonment would increase from three years to five years, while the fine would rise from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.
For organised examination-related crimes involving individuals, institutions, examination authorities or service providers, the minimum jail term has been proposed to be increased from five years to seven years, with the minimum fine raised from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.The amendment bill also seeks to introduce a time-bound mechanism for handling paper leak cases. Investigations by police, central investigating agencies or a Special Task Force constituted by the Centre would have to be completed within two months.
It further provides for the designation of Special Fast Track Courts by states and Union Territories, in consultation with High Courts, to exclusively hear offences under the Act. These courts would be required to complete trials within three months of the filing of chargesheets.
The legislation also proposes a dedicated appellate mechanism, allowing appeals against orders of Special Fast Track Courts before a two-judge High Court bench, with an aim to dispose of such appeals within three months.
The Centre said the amendments are aimed at improving transparency, fairness and credibility in public examinations by strengthening deterrence against paper leaks and organised malpractice.
