Modi govt plans tougher law against paper leaks, 3-month trial and Rs 10 crore fine likely
Amid the ongoing protests in Delhi over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent new law aimed at cracking down on examination fraud. According to sources, the proposed legislation will introduce a fast-track legal mechanism to ensure that paper leak cases are decided within three months. The move is intended to deliver prompt justice and strengthen the credibility of India’s examination system.
One of the key provisions of the proposed law is the establishment of a time-bound judicial process. Sources said paper leak cases will be heard by designated fast-track courts, which will be required to complete the trial and pronounce judgment within three months of the case being taken up.
Up to 10 years in jail, Rs 10 crore fine proposed
The proposed legislation also includes stringent penal provisions for those involved in paper leak rackets. According to sources, people convicted under the new law could face imprisonment of up to 10 years. In addition, the bill proposes a monetary penalty of up to Rs 10 crore, making it one of the toughest legal frameworks against organised examination fraud.
Law comes amid nationwide outrage over NEET-UG paper leak
The proposed legislation comes at a time when protests over the NEET-UG paper leak have intensified across the country, with students demanding greater accountability and reforms in the examination process.
The Centre has repeatedly stated that it is committed to protecting the future of students and ensuring that those responsible for compromising the integrity of competitive examinations face strict punishment.
Government shifts into action mode
The Centre’s aggressive response became evident after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late-night announcement on the issue. Soon afterwards, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and held discussions with him on behalf of the government. Following the meeting and government assurances, Wangchuk ended his hunger strike, which had begun on June 28.
PM Modi assures students of strict legal action
On Thursday night, Prime Minister Modi released a video message addressing students across the country and assured them that the government was treating the paper leak issue with utmost seriousness. He said a dedicated law specifically aimed at tackling paper leaks was being prepared to safeguard the future of students and restore the credibility of competitive examinations. The Prime Minister also announced that the draft legislation would be placed before the Union Cabinet. Once approved, the government will seek to introduce and pass the Bill in Parliament next week.
