Lok Sabha passes anti-paper leak Bill as Opposition demands answers on pellet guns

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, cleared the Lok Sabha on Tuesday after a sharp debate that turned the focus from the legislation itself to the police crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper leak.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh moved the Bill, calling it a "milestone legislation" and a reaffirmation of the Modi government's commitment to safeguard the future of the youth. The Bill raises the maximum imprisonment for organised exam malpractice to 10 years, increases fines for service providers from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, provides for fast-track courts, and mandates investigation within two months and trial within three.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi tore into the government, saying the 2024 Act had already promised to end paper leaks but failed results. "After the 2024 NEET paper leak, 44 of the 45 people chargesheeted have got bail. The main accused, Sanjeev Mukhia, was absconding for 11 months," Gogoi said. He pointed out that the NTA's sanctioned capacity is 34 but 47 people were terminated, asking whether they were outsourced and why the NTA chairman was retained while the director general was removed.

The most charged moments came when Gogoi demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on who ordered the use of pellet guns against student protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. "Who gave the orders to use pellet guns on students?" he asked. He also condemned the use of an AK-47 to fire at protesters in Bihar, and cited police slapping a girl and a baton touching the private parts of another.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking shortly after, intensified the attack. "The whole country, not merely the Congress, is asking… who, the Home Minister or Prime Minister allowed lathis, tear gas, water cannons, pellet guns, and AK-47 to be used on students…" she said. She also slammed BJP MPs for giving former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan a "superstar" welcome in Parliament two days after his resignation, while opposition MPs countered with "Chor, chor, paper chor" slogans.

Singh defended the Bill as an improvement on the 2024 law and cited past paper leaks under UPA governments — the Railway Recruitment Board (2009), All-India Engineering (2011), and AIIMS Delhi (2012). He said the NTA was an "unfinished task" completed by Prime Minister Modi.

The Bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha. Outside Parliament, CJP leaders said the legislation falls short of their demand for an independent probe into the NEET leak and the withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters.

What we can verify

Bill passed Lok Sabha. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was debated and passed in the Lok Sabha on 28 July 2026. Key provisions: 5-10 years imprisonment for organised crime, fines up to ₹5 crore, fast-track courts, investigation within 2 months, trial within 3 months.

Gogoi's allegations on pellet guns and AK-47. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on orders to use pellet guns at Jantar Mantar and condemned AK-47 use on protesters in Bihar. Both claims were made on the floor of the House.

Priyanka Gandhi's remarks. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned who authorised lathis, tear gas, water cannons, pellet guns, and AK-47 against students, and criticised BJP's welcome for Dharmendra Pradhan after his resignation.

Jitendra Singh's defence. The Union Minister cited past paper leaks under UPA governments and said the Bill strengthens the 2024 law with harsher penalties and fast-track courts.

What remains unverified

• Whether the Home Minister or Prime Minister directly authorised pellet-gun use at Jantar Mantar — no official statement has been made.
• Exact number of students injured by pellet guns — hospital sources cite multiple cases; police have not released figures.
• Whether the AK-47 firing in Bihar involved police or other security personnel — Bihar Police suspended one constable, inquiry ongoing.
• Whether all FIRs against Jantar Mantar protesters will be withdrawn — government has given no written assurance.
• Timelines for fast-track court notifications — no gazette order issued yet.