India’s lower house of parliament passed legislation on Wednesday aimed at imposing harsher penalties for individuals involved in leaking examination papers. The move follows widespread protests led by young people demanding comprehensive reforms in the education sector, which had resulted in the resignation of the country’s education minister.

The bill, approved through a voice vote after several hours of spirited debate, stipulates that offenders could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years—double the previous limit. In addition, the legislation increases the maximum fine to more than $1 million. These measures are intended to deter the unauthorized disclosure of exam materials, an issue that has undermined public trust in the integrity of India’s education system.

The protests that preceded the bill’s passage were driven by concerns over exam malpractices, which activists contend compromise the fairness and transparency of competitive examinations. The resignation of the education minister signaled the government’s acknowledgment of the public’s demand for stricter oversight and accountability within the sector.

Supporters of the bill argue that the enhanced penalties will serve as a strong deterrent against future leaks, thereby protecting the credibility of academic assessments nationwide. Critics, meanwhile, caution that legal reforms must be accompanied by systemic changes to address broader educational challenges rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

The passage of this legislation marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to reform its examination processes and restore confidence among students and their families. The bill will now move to the upper house for further consideration before becoming law.