Rijiju urges Oppn not to disrupt passage of key bills, hails anti-paper leak law

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said that several important Bills are scheduled to be taken up in Parliament and urged the Opposition to raise its concerns without disrupting the legislative process.

He also welcomed the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying it received overwhelming support from Members of Parliament.

Speaking to reporters, Rijiju said, “Several important Bills are expected to be taken up in Parliament. The Bill related to exam paper leaks has been passed with the support of an overwhelming majority of MPs. There was no opposition to it except from those who opposed it for political reasons. Otherwise, everyone is serious about education and preventing exam paper leaks.”

He added that Friday’s parliamentary agenda includes a Private Member’s Bill and expressed hope that all parties would cooperate to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses.

“The Prime Minister has thanked all MPs for supporting the Bill on exam paper leaks. It should now be implemented as soon as possible to safeguard the future of the country’s children. Several other important Bills are also listed for discussion today,” Rijiju said.

Appealing to Opposition leaders, he said, “They are free to raise their issues and concerns, but they should not create disruptions that hinder the passage of important legislation.”

Parliament on Thursday cleared the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha passed the legislation by a voice vote. Opposition parties led by the Congress staged a walkout during the proceedings. The Lok Sabha had approved the Bill on Wednesday.

The government has maintained that the amended law introduces stricter penalties to curb paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations. It has also sought cooperation from all political parties to ensure effective implementation of the legislation.

With the Rajya Sabha’s approval, Parliament has now completed the legislative process for the Bill.

Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or other unfair means in public examinations can face imprisonment of five to 10 years, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. In cases involving organised paper leak rackets, the law provides for a minimum prison term of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

The amendment also empowers all state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate any Court of Session as a special fast-track court to try offences under the proposed law. It mandates that proceedings in these courts continue on a day-to-day basis and that trials conclude within three months of the filing of the charge sheet.

–IANS

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