India's Lok Sabha passes anti-paper leak bill on July 29

India's lower house of Parliament passed a significant anti-paper leak bill on July 29, 2026, ending a week of legislative deadlock that had stalled proceedings. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was approved by the Lok Sabha via a voice vote, after which the House adjourned for the day. The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.

The legislation aims to curb widespread examination malpractice by introducing stricter punishments. Key provisions increase the prison term for individuals using unfair means from three to five years to five to ten years, with fines rising to 50 lakh rupees. For organized crimes involving paper leaks, the bill mandates a minimum sentence of seven years and fines of up to 10 crore rupees. It also lists 15 specific illegal acts, including leaking question papers and creating fake websites.

The bill mandates time-bound procedures, requiring investigations to be completed within two months and states to establish special fast-track courts to hear cases. These courts must aim to conclude trials within three months of a chargesheet being filed. The central government is empowered to constitute a Special...