India, July 26 -- A new stringent bill against examination paper leak aims for stricter punishment, hikes the minimum jail term and quantum of fines, and promises speedy trials by setting up fast-track courts that are mandated to finish trials within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.

Overhauling the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the government will introduce on Monday a series of amendments promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of surging protests by students. The bill allows for the formation of a special task force, time-bound probe, and daily proceedings during trial.

"In recent years, there have been some incidents of question paper leakages and malpractices in examinations...