India Parliament passes stricter anti-paper leak law

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, July 30, hailed Parliament's passage of a stringent anti-paper leak bill, vowing that criminal gangs involved in examination fraud would not be spared. The legislation, which cleared its final legislative hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, aims to impose harsher penalties and expedite legal proceedings in response to widespread student protests over recurring paper leaks.

In a video address shared on social media, Modi stated that the problem of examination paper leaks had plagued both central and state governments for decades, jeopardizing the futures of students. He described the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, as an important milestone in building a credible examination system. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on Wednesday, July 29.

The Prime Minister outlined steps already taken by the government, including the formation of a task force, the creation of fast-track mechanisms, and consultations with states. He emphasized that comprehensive education reform and greater use of technology were essential. Modi directly warned criminal elements, stating that any "paper mafia" or...