The amendment to India's anti-paper leak law has received presidential assent, meaning cases against exam paper leak mafias must now be resolved within three months. The approval formalises a promise the government had made to crack down on those who leak question papers for competitive exams.
What changed in the law
Under the amended law, a three-month deadline has been set for hearing and disposing of cases linked to paper leaks. The idea is to ensure that cases against exam mafias do not drag on in courts for years, so students get quicker justice. The government had already brought in a strict law to curb paper leaks in exams; this amendment is aimed at speeding up how cases under that law are settled.
How the bill moved through Parliament
The amendment bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha, where it was discussed amid loud protests from the opposition. It was then passed by the Lok Sabha, followed by clearance in the Rajya Sabha. After clearing both houses, the bill was sent to the President, who has now given it assent.
What Narendra Modi said
After the bill was passed, Narendra Modi reacted with a video posted on Instagram. He said the promise had now been fulfilled and that paper leak mafias would not be spared. Modi added that strict action would now be taken against those running paper leak rackets.
Opposition's pushback
The opposition had raised a strong protest over the bill in Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi also targeted the government on the issue, saying,
Change the angle of your camera, not your heart, PM Modi.
