Source: The Hindu
Context
The Union government has proposed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, a copy of which was circulated among Members of Parliament on Saturday, 25 July 2026.
Key Facts
- Correction to the Earlier Note
- Investigation must be completed within 60 days (not three months). The three-month timeline applies to trial completion after filing of the chargesheet.
- Enhanced Penalties
- Maximum imprisonment increased, with financial penalties up to ₹10 crore for organised crime networks.
- Specialised Enforcement Units
- Union Government may constitute Special Task Forces (STFs) for exclusive investigation. All investigations must conclude within 60 days.
- Special Fast Track Courts
- States/UTs may designate Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts. Trials will be conducted day-to-day and completed within three months of chargesheet filing.
- New Sections 12A & 12B
- Introduce a continuous procedural pipeline by restricting adjournments beyond the next day except for recorded exceptional reasons.
- Appellate Timelines
- Appeals to be heard by a Division Bench and disposed of within three months. Appeals must be filed within 30 days, with a maximum 90-day condonation period.
- Transfer of Pending Cases
- Pending cases under the 2024 Act will be transferred to Special Fast Track Courts and completed within three months of transfer.
- Special Public Prosecutors
- States and UTs must appoint Special Public Prosecutors under the BNSS, 2023 to exclusively conduct these trials.
