UP Govt to introduce Ordinance mandating life imprisonment, Rs 1 cr fine for paper leak culprits

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 25 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is set to bring Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations Ordinance 2024 in the wake of a paper leak of the Constable Recruitment Exam and RO-ARO exam in the state.
The Ordinance, approved by the State Cabinet, will provide for life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for the guilty.
On February 24, the Uttar Pradesh Police Police Recruitment and Promotion Board cancelled the written examination for direct recruitment-2023 to the posts of reserved civilian police in Uttar Pradesh Police following allegations of question paper leak.
More than 48 lakh candidates participated on February 17 and 18 in the constable recruitment exam in Uttar Pradesh.
A provision has also been made for a minimum punishment of two years to life imprisonment and a penalty of up to one crore rupees for violation of the provisions of the Ordinance. Apart from the above, if the examination is affected, then provision has also been made to recover the financial burden of it from the solver gang and to permanently blacklist the companies and service providers who commit irregularities in the examination," said a press release issued by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The ordinance also provides for the attachment of property in cases of crime. Violation of the provisions has been made cognizable, non-bailable and triable by the Sessions Court and non-compoundable. Strict provisions have also been made regarding bail, according to the press release.
The Uttar Pradesh government had decided to cancel the police constable recruitment examination held statewide on February 17 and 18 after the examination paper was allegedly leaked.