Parliament to introduce bill seeking up to 10-year jail term and Rs 10 crore fine for paper leaks

A bill amending the Public Examinations Act, 2024, will be introduced in Parliament on Monday. It proposes up to 10 years in jail and a Rs 10 crore fine for paper leaks, along with mandatory fast-track courts to complete trials within three months

New Delhi: A bill to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which proposes to increase the jail term to 10 years and the fine to Rs 10 crore for offences related to paper leaks, is likely to be introduced in Parliament on Monday.

According to the bill circulated to members ahead of its introduction, individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will face jail terms of a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.

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For organized crime, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

All investigations will have to be completed within two months, it states.

All states and UTs will be directed to set up fast-track courts, which will conduct hearings swiftly and complete the trial within three months of the filing of the chargesheet.