‘Happy That…’: Sonam Wangchuk Backs Anti-Paper Leak Bill, Seeks No Action Against Protesters

Days after ending his hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk welcomed the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, calling it a step toward education reform, but urged the Centre to honour its promise of no legal action against protesting students.

Sonam Wangchuk Backs Anti-Paper Leak Bill (Img: X)

New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has welcomed the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, describing it as a positive move towards improving India's examination system. His remarks came days after he ended his hunger strike over the NEET paper leak issue and alleged irregularities in the education system.

Wangchuk Calls Bill a Step Towards Reform

In a video message, Wangchuk said he was pleased that legislation on examination reforms had been introduced and passed in Parliament. He expressed hope that the move would lead to wider reforms across India's education system.

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He also urged the government to continue working towards long-term solutions to improve transparency and accountability in competitive examinations.

Appeal to Centre Over Student Protesters

Wangchuk also reminded the Centre of the written assurances given to him, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student protesters regarding legal action.

He appealed to the government not to file FIRs against protesting students and said maintaining trust with the youth was important.

CJP Says Bill Does Not Address Root Causes

Meanwhile, the CJP, which led the anti-paper leak movement, said the legislation does not fully address the reasons behind repeated examination leaks.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka argued that the Bill mainly focuses on punishment after a leak occurs rather than preventing such incidents.

Also Read: ‘Prevention Missing’: CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka Raises Questions Over Public Exams Amendment Bill

He raised concerns over issues including examination infrastructure, coaching centre regulation, reforms in agencies like the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC), transparency measures and monitoring of vendors involved in the exam process.

Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote amid opposition protests.

The legislation proposes stricter measures against exam malpractice, including faster investigations, dedicated courts and tougher penalties for those involved in paper leaks.