The Rajya Sabha took up The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passing on Thursday, a day after it was passed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Beginning his remarks with a poem, Kharge said, "Paper churane wale bachte rahe, mehnat karne wale pit te rahe. Ye kaisa nyay?" and alleging that the government had ignored demands for a strong law on paper leaks in 2024.
Initiating the debate on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said the Opposition had demanded a strong law on paper leaks in 2024, but the government did not accept the demand at that time. He said the amendment Bill was welcome, but "the intention to solve the problem" was missing and it appeared aimed at calming the prevailing situation.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge during the debate, called the bill a "sham" that has "only changed the figures" without addressing the root problem. "How many innocent lives and students have been impacted by paper leaks. Nothing will change because of this," Kharge said.
Kharge also targeted the government over the absence of senior leaders from the debate, saying that those responsible for law and order should address the concerns raised by students and the public.
During his speech, members from the treasury benches raised objections. Leader of the House J P Nadda urged the Chair to expunge what he described as unparliamentary remarks. Kharge responded that he had not used any unparliamentary language and said the government should clarify its position before the public regarding the events of July 20.
He also questioned why the government did not bring similar reforms in 2024. "Why did you not change the bill in 2024? In 2024, you only wanted to do politics," Kharge said, adding that the bill was not introduced that year because of the elections scheduled in 2024. He alleged the government was compelled to act only after student protests in Delhi. "You brought the bill to stop the protests in Delhi. You did not bring in the bill for reforms," he said.
Kharge further said the country had witnessed leaks, protests and police action because of what he called the "petty politics" of the BJP, and held the government responsible for injuries inflicted on protesters. "Those who steal exam papers continue to go free, while those who work hard keep suffering. What kind of justice is this? The guilty keep laughing, while the innocent continue to suffer," he said.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the bill reflected the government's willingness to accept constructive suggestions. "The bill testifies that this government does not stand on prestige, we are open to healthy inputs and constructive [criticism]," Singh said, adding that the government would not allow anyone to "jeopardise the future of our children." He described the bill as "a reaffirmation of the highest commitment to regard the welfare of students."
Singh also cited past incidents of paper leaks in the country during his remarks, which led to protests in the House.
According to Singh, the amendments mandate that investigations into paper leak cases be completed within two months. States and Union Territories have been empowered to designate Sessions Courts as special fast-track courts to conduct day-to-day trials and complete them within three months of the filing of the chargesheet.
Also read: Parliament to take up SC judges, exam reform bills today
The bill also enhances penalties for offenders. Those found guilty of paper leaks or other unfair means in public examinations will face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years, along with fines of up to ₹50 lakh. Organised rackets attract a minimum sentence of seven years and fines of up to ₹10 crore. The Centre has also been empowered to constitute special task forces to investigate such cases whenever necessary.
The Rajya Sabha is expected to continue proceedings on the bill late into the evening on Thursday.
