Anti-Paper Leak Bill

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet headed by the prime minister approved draft legislation that seeks to significantly tighten punishment for paper leak offences.

• The amendments are intended to deter organised criminal networks and institutions that profit from examination fraud, while ensuring that candidates are not penalised under the law.
• It aims to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, strengthening the legal framework against examination fraud.
• The 2024 Act covers recruitment examinations conducted by agencies such as the UPSC and SSC, as well as major entrance examinations, including NEET, JEE and CUET.
• The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was the 1^st central law specifically enacted to address paper leaks and organised examination malpractice after widespread concern over repeated exam irregularities.
• Punishment
  • Individuals found guilty of paper leaks could face a minimum prison term of 5 years along with a financial penalty.
  • Cases involving organised paper leak rackets would attract a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.
• The existing law prescribes imprisonment of 3 to 5 years for individuals involved in paper leaks.
• Organised offences currently carry jail terms ranging from five to 10 years, along with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
• Time-bound Investigations - The draft legislation also introduces provisions for time-bound investigations and mandatory fast-track court trials.
• As per the proposal, investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within 3 months.

Reference

News on Air | Anti-paper leaks draft bill