New Delhi, July 24: The Union Cabinet is set to consider proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at strengthening the legal framework against question paper leaks. The legislative initiative follows an address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining plans for expedited legal processes, including the proposed establishment of dedicated fast-track courts to resolve examination-related offences promptly.
“The cabinet will discuss the issue of paper leaks on Friday and taking suggestions of the cabinet colleagues, further action would be finalised,” the Prime Minister affirmed in a video message released ahead of the deliberations.
Under the draft legislation, the government intends to increase financial penalties and imprisonment terms beyond existing statutory limits. Current regulations prescribe three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 10 lakh for individual offenders, while organized syndicates face sentences between five and ten years alongside a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore. The updated draft is slated for introduction in Parliament early next week as the Monsoon session continues.
