India to increase penalties for exam leaks after Cockroach party protests

India's bicameral parliament has approved stricter penalties targeting the leaking of examination papers, a persistent challenge within the country's education system. The legislation increases the maximum prison term to 10 years and raises the maximum fine to more than $1 million for those involved in such breaches. The lower house cleared the measure first, followed by approval in the upper chamber after extended debate.

Jitendra Singh, a junior minister who engaged directly with protest organizers, emphasized the national importance of the issue during upper house proceedings, noting that educational integrity affects every family and citizen. The bill now requires presidential signature to become law, following cabinet approval of the stricter punishments the previous week.

The parliamentary action reflects mounting pressure from sustained public demonstrations. The Cockroach Janta Party movement, an online-driven initiative, mobilized widespread student participation across the country and precipitated the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Violent clashes erupted in New Delhi on July 20 when large crowds attempted to reach parliament, resulting in police use of tear gas and batons.

Examination paper leaks have persisted as a recurring problem across both national and state-level testing systems despite previous government enforcement efforts. Federal investigators recently charged 13 individuals in connection with a leaked national medical college entrance examination, an incident that intensified public anger and fueled the broader protest movement.