- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to allow the House to function and build a consensus for taking up the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 at 2 pm.
- Om Birla stated, “Let the House function; let there be discussion and dialogue, and let everyone’s views be expressed.”
- An understanding had been reached to begin discussion on the anti-paper leak legislation at 2 pm.
- The Opposition indicated its willingness to participate in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, while insisting that the government respond to allegations of police action against students.
- The Opposition is not opposed to the proposed legislation but wants the Centre to address concerns over the alleged use of pellet guns and excessive force against student protesters.
- Sources stated, “We are neither against the paper leak Bill nor against a discussion on it.”
- The government maintains that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is a significant reform aimed at curbing paper leaks and protecting the interests of students.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called for a consensus on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, urging members to allow discussion and dialogue. He emphasized the importance of a positive message from Parliament, stating, “Let the House function; let there be discussion and dialogue.”1247
The Opposition has shown willingness to engage in the debate but demands accountability from the government regarding police actions against students protesting examination irregularities. Sources indicate that while the Opposition supports the bill aimed at curbing paper leaks, they seek answers on the alleged use of pellet guns and excessive force against protesters. “We are neither against the paper leak Bill nor against a discussion on it,” sources stated, highlighting their support for strengthening examination safeguards.5
The government maintains that the bill is a significant reform to protect students' interests and curb organized examination malpractice. “We urge all parties to participate in the debate,” a government representative said. The backdrop of this discussion includes recent protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in response to exam paper leaks, which resulted in tragic outcomes, including 21 student suicides linked to the exam fiasco. The protests subsided following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the former education minister, amid allegations of mishandling the situation.
As the Lok Sabha prepares for the discussion, the focus remains on balancing legislative progress with addressing the concerns of students and their advocates.
“The Opposition is not opposed to the anti-paper leak legislation but demands the government address concerns over police actions against protesting students. Meanwhile, the government emphasizes that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is crucial for curbing paper leaks and protecting students' interests.”
