Modi Government Introduces Strict Anti-Paper Leak Bill After Youth Protests

The Government of India introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on July 27, 2026. The legislation responds to widespread youth unrest and student suicides following alleged paper leaks in the NEET-UG 2026 examinations. The bill significantly increases penalties, raising maximum prison terms to 10 years and fines up to ₹50 lakh for individuals, and up to ₹10 crore for organized crime networks. To ensure swift justice, it mandates that investigations conclude within two months and requires states to establish Special Fast Track Courts to deliver verdicts within three months.

The legislative move follows a 37-day agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protests culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25, who was replaced by Pralhad Joshi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also established a high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to implement structural and technology-driven reforms for the National Testing Agency.

Parliamentary proceedings were marked by intense conflict. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, disrupted sessions to demand accountability for a July 20 police crackdown during the 'Sansad Chalo' march. They alleged the use of lethal force, including pellet guns in Delhi and AK-47s in Bihar. While the Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, the Supreme Court of India intervened, asserting that the right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed and considering a nationwide protocol to prevent police excesses. Following mediation by Speaker Om Birla, the Opposition agreed to a dedicated debate on the bill starting July 28.