After Monday's stalled proceedings, Parliament to take up tougher Anti-Paper Leak Bill on Tuesday

New Delhi: Parliament is expected to resume key legislative business on Tuesday, with the Lok Sabha scheduled to debate the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 after a week of repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session.

The breakthrough follows consultations led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who held discussions with leaders across political parties to end the impasse. Parliamentary sources said floor leaders agreed to begin debate on the proposed anti-paper leak law after Monday's failed attempt, when Opposition protests once again stalled proceedings.

The deadlock had continued since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, with Opposition parties demanding a government statement on the alleged police crackdown during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led 'Chalo Sansad' march and student protests over the NEET paper leak.

Bill proposes tougher action against organised exam fraud

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, seeks to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

It proposes significantly tougher punishment for organised examination fraud. Those found guilty of organised paper leaks could face up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.

The legislation also sets a two-month deadline for completing investigations into paper leak cases. States and Union Territories would be able to establish fast-track courts to conclude trials within three months of the filing of chargesheets, while the Centre would be empowered to constitute a special task force to investigate selected cases.

The Bill comes days after former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak.

Opposition to press police action issue

While Opposition parties have backed stronger laws against paper leaks, they have insisted that the government first respond to allegations of excessive police force against students protesting in Delhi and other cities.

The Opposition has sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah before normal business resumes, while the government has argued that Parliament should not delay discussion on legislation affecting millions of students.

Tuesday's debate will be the first major parliamentary discussion on examination reforms since the NEET controversy and Pradhan's resignation, with both the government and the Opposition expected to present their positions on restoring confidence in public examinations while addressing concerns raised during the protests.