Anti-paper leak Bill passed in Rajya Sabha, Opposition stages walkout

New Delhi: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, popularly known as the anti-paper leak Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The Bill was passed after a very lengthy discussion on the legislation in the Upper House of Parliament.

The Bill cleared both Houses and will now be sent to the President for her assent. The Bill cleared the Rajya Sabha after the Opposition staged a walkout. Similar scenes were witnessed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, when the Speaker had put the Bill to vote, late at night.

This Bill aims to strengthen the legal framework to curb examination malpractices and paper leaks. The Bill was brought in by the government after massive protests by students across India. The major protest was led by the Cockroach Janata Party in Delhi. This newly founded political outfit, held protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and also led a march to Parliament on July 20. The protests began after the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

The main demand of the protestors was the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan and also educational reforms. They wanted the government to assure young students that such a paper leak would not happen in future. The legislation was brought in after the CJP agreed to call off their protest, following assurances from the government.

Bill seeks to strengthen provisions under existing laws

According to reports, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to tighten provisions under the existing anti-paper leak law. The government has said the amendments aim to strengthen deterrence against organised exam fraud and ensure greater transparency and integrity in public examinations. The Bill will now be sent for presidential assent before becoming law.

Meanwhile, following the Opposition’s walkout, JP Nadda said that he condemned the act. He said in the House, “I condemn the opposition’s walkout and strongly censure it. The manner in which they have exposed themselves should be seen and understood by the entire country.”