Opposition Leaders Criticize New Indian Exam Leak Law

Indian opposition leaders have criticized the central government following the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The legislation passed the Lok Sabha on July 29 and the Rajya Sabha on July 31, though the latter session saw a walkout by Opposition members.

Bhagwant Mann, the Chief Minister of Punjab, attacked the central government for recurring competitive examination paper leaks, citing the inefficiency of government officers. Mann questioned the effectiveness of using fast-track courts to resolve the issue and also demanded a parliamentary response regarding E20 fuel.

Congress leader P. Chidambaram challenged the legal framework of the Amendment Bill, arguing that the law emphasizes punishing offenders after a leak has occurred rather than taking steps to prevent unfair means from being used. While the central government maintains that the amendments strengthen the legal framework based on experience from the 2024 Act, Opposition parties claim the legislation was a rushed attempt to quell student protests.