Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning stated that he had directed the creation of fast-track courts to handle paper leak cases. These courts would be required to complete proceedings and announce punishments within three months.
According to sources, the proposed amendments are expected to increase both imprisonment terms and financial penalties for individuals involved in paper leaks. Under the revised provisions, those found guilty of leaking examination papers could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.
Currently, individuals convicted in paper leak cases face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Under the existing law, service providers who fail to report a possible offence can be fined up to Rs 1 crore. In cases involving organised crime, the punishment ranges from five to 10 years of imprisonment, along with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
The Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday when the second week of Parliament proceedings begins.
The development follows political criticism over examination irregularities. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that 150 paper leaks had occurred over the past 10 years and alleged that there had been zero convictions in such cases.
Prime Minister Modi, in a video statement released on Thursday night, said that further action on paper leak cases would follow on Friday. His statement came after the Delhi High Court announced the establishment of a fast-track court to hear such matters. The late-night video message was Prime Minister Modi’s second public communication on the issue in a single day.
"Friends, I know that paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families. That is why many steps have been taken in the last two and a half months," Prime Minister Modi said.
He stated that the accused had been arrested and were in jail. He added that the government’s primary responsibility was to ensure that students did not lose an academic year and that examinations were conducted immediately. He said the government had used all available resources to arrange examinations for at least 22 lakh students.
Prime Minister Modi further said that he had instructed departments to work on establishing fast-track courts. He stated that the departments worked late into the night and provided approval, following which the matter would be discussed in the Cabinet. After suggestions from Cabinet members, the proposal would receive its final shape, and the government would attempt to pass the Bill as soon as possible from Monday.
Responding to Prime Minister Modi’s statement, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reiterated that students were demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The government’s decision to strengthen the anti-paper leak law marks a major step in addressing examination-related fraud, with stricter punishments, faster legal proceedings, and increased accountability aimed at protecting the interests of millions of students affected by such controversies.
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