Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday announced that his party would provide free legal assistance to students facing criminal cases in connection with recent protests over alleged examination paper leaks and recruitment irregularities. Making the announcement ahead of the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Thackeray said the party would stand by students and ensure they receive legal support without any financial burden.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Thackeray alleged that students protesting for a fair examination system were being targeted through criminal cases instead of having their concerns addressed. He said young people had taken to the streets to demand transparency and accountability in public examinations and should not face legal action for raising their voices peacefully.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said his party's legal team would represent students free of cost wherever assistance is required. According to him, access to justice should not depend on a student's financial background, especially when they are fighting for what they believe to be a fair and transparent recruitment and examination process.
Thackeray also criticised the Centre over its handling of the paper leak issue, arguing that stronger laws alone would not solve the problem unless those responsible for repeated examination irregularities are identified and held accountable. He maintained that restoring public confidence in the examination system requires both strict action against offenders and protection of students' democratic rights.
The announcement comes amid growing political debate over the proposed anti-paper leak legislation and the alleged police action against student protesters in several parts of the country. Opposition parties have demanded that the government review the cases registered against protesting students and explain the circumstances under which police action was taken.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the legal framework against examination malpractice by providing for stricter punishments, time-bound investigations, Special Task Forces and fast-track courts. As Parliament debates the legislation, the issue of criminal cases against student protesters has emerged as a major political flashpoint, with several Opposition leaders calling for greater accountability and protection of students' rights.
