'Govt acted, historic decisions taken': Raghav Chadha breaks silence on paper leaks

NEW DELHI: AAP turncoat and BJP MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday broke his prolonged silence on the paper leak issue, speaking for the first time from the ruling side in Rajya Sabha. He said he rose to speak "wholeheartedly in support of the students of India" and the BJP-pushed anti-paper leak Bill.Chadha stressed that the paper leak crisis could only be resolved through an "institutional solution" and not through "media sound-bytes", which he claimed was the approach adopted by the PM Modi-led government.Clarifying on his silence so far, BJP leader said, "I don't want headline, but an outcome."Addressing NEET aspirants, he said, "Your anger is justified. Your pain is real. And your concerns about the examination system are genuine."He further said that when students raised their voices in protest, the Prime Minister listened and acted as a "guardian" to address their concerns."Students demanded, the government acted. Historic decisions taken. System changed," Chadha said.He also said that the government "heard and delivered."Highlighting the impact of paper leaks on students, he added, "Because a paper leak does not merely compromise an examination. It can wipe out years of preparation in a single moment."He further said, "Every student deserves an examination system where hard work and merit, not a leaked paper, decide the result."Months ago, Chadha led a rebel exodus from Arvind Kejriwal-founded AAP, with seven Rajya Sabha members from the party breaking away and merging their faction with the ruling BJP.However, the Bill came under sharp criticism from the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge led the attack after Union minister Jitendra Singh tabled the Bill in the Upper House.Parliament Thursday approved the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter penalties for paper leaks and exam-related malpractices. The government said the legislation addresses one of the biggest concerns affecting students and called for cooperation from all stakeholders to tackle the issue.The Bill was passed by a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha amid an opposition walkout, a day after it cleared the Lok Sabha.Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of paper leaks or other unfair means in public examinations will face a minimum prison term of five years, extendable to 10 years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.For organised exam-related crimes, the Bill prescribes a minimum jail term of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.The legislation also empowers state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate Courts of Session as special fast-track courts to try offences under the Act. These courts will conduct day-to-day proceedings and complete trials within three months of the filing of the chargesheet.The Bill further authorises the central government to constitute a special task force to investigate offences under the Act whenever necessary.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.