Government may strengthen the existing anti-cheating law after announcing fast-track courts for paper-leak cases
NEW DELHI (India CSR): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Union Cabinet will consider further stringent measures against examination paper leaks on Friday, July 24, 2026, intensifying the government’s response to concerns over the integrity of public examinations. In a video message released on Thursday night, the Prime Minister said that additional measures would be placed before the Cabinet.
“More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!” the Prime Minister wrote in a post shared on X. The Press Information Bureau published the announcement at 6:08 am on July 24. However, complete details of the proposed measures had not been officially released at the time of writing.
Fast-Track Courts Already Announced
The latest announcement follows the Prime Minister’s decision to establish fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of paper-leak cases. On July 23, Modi said the government had decided to create fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for people involved in compromising public examinations. Concerned departments and officials had been directed to take the necessary action.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” the Prime Minister said, adding that people attempting to harm students’ futures would not be spared. The fast-track court proposal was described as part of a continuing series of government measures intended to protect students and strengthen confidence in the examination system. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the announcement.
Existing Law Provides Up to 10 Years’ Imprisonment
India already has a central law dealing with organised cheating, examination manipulation and question-paper leaks.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, came into force on June 21, 2024. The legislation covers specified public examinations conducted by central authorities, including examinations associated with the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railways, banking recruitment bodies and the National Testing Agency.
Under the existing framework, general offences can attract imprisonment ranging from three to five years. Organised examination crime may result in imprisonment of five to 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs. 1 crore. The law primarily targets organised gangs, service providers and institutions engaged in examination malpractice for financial or wrongful gain. Candidates are generally protected from its penal provisions and remain governed by the rules of the respective examination authority. Details of the legislation are available through India Code.
Amendment to Anti-Cheating Law Reportedly Under Consideration
Media reports suggest that the government may consider amending the 2024 law to expressly provide for fast-track courts and possibly enhance the imprisonment terms applicable to serious offences. However, these reported proposals should not be treated as a final Cabinet decision until the government issues an official statement containing the approved provisions.
The announcement comes amid heightened public concern over alleged question-paper leaks, examination cancellations, technical failures and delays affecting students preparing for highly competitive entrance and recruitment tests.
Cabinet Outcome Awaited
The Cabinet’s decision is expected to clarify whether the government will amend the existing law, introduce a separate legislative proposal or adopt additional administrative and investigative safeguards. The final announcement may also specify the structure of the proposed fast-track courts, the categories of cases they will hear, the investigation timelines and the responsibilities of examination-conducting bodies.
Until the Cabinet decision is officially released, the confirmed measures remain the planned creation of fast-track courts and the Prime Minister’s assurance that further stringent action against paper leaks will be announced.
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