The central government has introduced a bill to strengthen the anti-cheating law, aiming to curb exam malpractices. The proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill increases maximum prison sentences for both individual and institutional offenders. Financial penalties have also been significantly raised under the new provisions.
In addition to tougher punishments, the bill mandates that investigations into offences under the Act be completed within two months. To ensure speedy justice, the government may establish special fast track courts. Trials in these courts are to be conducted on a day-to-day basis and finished within three months from the date the chargesheet is filed.
The proposed changes are intended to deter cheating and streamline the legal process for handling such cases. The bill empowers the central government to constitute fast track courts wherever necessary. If passed, the law would require authorities to conclude probes in a shorter timeframe, potentially reducing delays in prosecuting offenders.
The amendments represent a comprehensive overhaul of the existing anti-cheating framework, addressing both the severity of punishment and the efficiency of legal proceedings. The bill is currently under consideration.