Centre Plans Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law

The Central Government is preparing to introduce stricter legal provisions to curb question paper leaks following widespread protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that the Union Cabinet will discuss measures to strengthen the legal framework against examination malpractices. According to reports, the government is planning significant amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, increasing penalties and prison terms for those involved in paper leak cases.

The proposed amendments are also expected to provide for fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials of examination fraud cases. Reports suggest that additional fast-track courts will be established, with the aim of completing investigations and delivering judgments within a year. Meanwhile, the Centre is scheduled to hold another round of talks with representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over the ongoing protests. Although activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government, the protest movement is expected to continue. The proposed amendments are yet to receive official approval.