Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the "biggest paper leak racket" in the country is operating within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His remarks came ahead of the six-hour debate on the anti-paper leak legislation in the Lok Sabha, where the government is seeking to strengthen laws against examination fraud.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Raut questioned the government's intent behind introducing stricter legislation while, according to him, the root cause of repeated examination paper leaks remained unaddressed. He claimed that merely enacting tougher laws would not solve the problem unless those allegedly responsible for the leaks were identified and held accountable. Raut also accused the BJP of failing to prevent recurring examination irregularities despite being in power at the Centre and in several states.
The proposed amendment to the Public Examinations Act seeks to introduce stricter penalties for those involved in examination malpractice, including paper leaks. The Bill proposes time-bound investigations, fast-track courts, Special Task Forces, tougher prison terms and enhanced financial penalties to curb organised examination fraud. The government has maintained that the legislation is aimed at protecting the future of millions of students and restoring confidence in the public examination system.
Raut further alleged that students across the country have repeatedly suffered because of examination leaks and administrative failures. He said that instead of focusing only on harsher punishments, the government should explain why such incidents continue to occur and what action has been taken against those allegedly involved. He also expressed support for demands seeking greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment and examination process.
The Opposition has indicated that it will participate in the parliamentary debate while pressing the government for answers on recent examination controversies and the handling of student protests. Congress and other INDIA bloc parties have also demanded a discussion on the alleged police action against protesting students, making the anti-paper leak Bill one of the most politically significant issues of the ongoing Monsoon Session.
