Archive · 30 Jul 2026
India Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill, Vande Mataram Law Clears
India’s Parliament has made new rules to stop people from leaking exam papers.
The new law says anyone caught will get a longer jail time and a bigger fine.
It also says companies that run exams can be fined a lot and banned from doing exams for years.
Another law protects the national song Vande Mataram, making it illegal to disturb its singing.
These laws were passed after a big exam scandal and student protests.
They will now go to the President for approval.
The government says it is learning from past mistakes.
Some people worry the new law might limit free speech.
The bills aim to make exams fairer and keep the national song respected.
Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote, raising penalties for exam paper leaks.
The bill increases minimum jail term for leaks from 3 to 5 years, maximum from 5 to 10 years, and fines up to ₹50 lakh; service providers face fines up to ₹5 crore and 8‑year debarment.
Rajya Sabha cleared the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expanding penalties for disrupting the singing of Vande Mataram.
The bills were introduced amid the NEET‑UG controversy and student protests, and after the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The bills will now go to the President for assent after passing both houses, with the anti‑paper leak bill also proposing fast‑track courts and a two‑month investigation deadline.
- Who
- Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and key ministers
- What
- Passed anti-paper leak bill and Vande Mataram protection bill
- When
- Wednesday, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To tighten legal framework against exam fraud and protect national song
- Bill Name
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Year
- 2026
- Minimum Jail Term
- 5 years
- Maximum Jail Term
- 10 years
- Maximum Fine for Individuals
- ₹50 lakh
- Maximum Fine for Service Providers
- ₹5 crore
- Fast-Track Courts
- Yes
- Special Task Force
- Authorized for major cases
