New Delhi, July 29 -- The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to amend a 2024 law, strengthening the legal framework against examination malpractices by enhancing punishments, providing for time-bound investigation and trial, and mandating special fast track courts for speedy disposal of cases.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 comes in the wake of nationwide student protests over alleged examination irregularities that culminated in the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan last week.

The bill amends the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was introduced to curb unfair means in public examinations conducted by specified central authorities. According ...