Raipur, March 21 -- The Chhattisgarh Assembly on Friday passed a bill aimed at curbing paper leaks and other malpractices in public recruitment and professional entrance examinations, proposing stringent penalties including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs.1 crore. The Chhattisgarh (Lok Bharti evam Vyavsayik Parikshao me Anuchit Sadhano ki Roktham) Vidheyak, 2026, was cleared after a detailed discussion. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, "This law sends a strict message to the exam mafia. Those involved in cheating or irregularities will face stringent action." Candidates found guilty will have their results cancelled and will be barred from appearing in public examinations for a minimum of one year, extendable up to three years. For individuals other than candidates, the bill prescribes imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years along with fines of up to Rs.10 lakh. Offences such as unauthorised possession or disclosure of question papers, illegal entry into centres, and tampering with evaluation records may attract jail terms of one to five years and fines of up to Rs.5 lakh. Service providers and institutions found guilty can face fines of up to Rs.1 crore, recovery of examination-related costs and debarment from conducting exams for at least three years....