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Since the Parliament Monsoon Session began on July 20, legislative business has remained stalled over the NEET paper leak issue, with only two Bills introduced so far.
A photo of the Lok Sabha (PTI)
One more day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session ended in repeated adjournments, with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessing disruptions, sloganeering and protests over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 on Monday.
The day unfolded amid a changed political landscape following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister on Saturday after widespread protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students over alleged exam irregularities.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day amid continuous protests by Opposition members and will resume at 11 am on Tuesday.
Congress protests, NDA backs Dharmendra Pradhan
Congress MPs, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest inside the Parliament House complex over the alleged police action against students during the agitation over the NEET paper leak issue. The party demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
At the same time, NDA MPs responded by raising “Pradhan Zindabad” slogans as former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan arrived at Parliament.
Pradhan, returning to Parliament two days after stepping down, received a warm welcome from BJP colleagues. The show of support drew criticism from the Opposition, with Congress accusing the BJP of glorifying a leader who resigned amid a major examination crisis.
Anti-paper leak Bill introduced amid disruptions
Union Minister Jitendra Singh tabled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha despite protests and sloganeering by Opposition MPs.
The Bill seeks to amend the existing anti-paper leak law and was introduced even as the House remained disrupted over issues raised by the Opposition.
The government plans to secure the Bill’s passage during the session. The proposed legislation contains seven major amendments, empowers states to establish Special Fast-Track Courts and mandates time-bound investigations and trials, with cases to be concluded within three months of the chargesheet being filed.
Om Birla appeals for debate
Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla gave the government and the Opposition three hours to resolve their differences so that discussion on the Bill could begin.
After the House reassembled, Birla said six hours had been allotted for debate and added that additional time could be provided if required. He reminded members that they were elected to discuss legislation and not raise slogans.
Since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, legislative business has remained stalled over the NEET paper leak issue, with only two Bills introduced so far.
Government, Opposition trade charges
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Congress and its allies of preventing debate on a Bill concerning students. “This is a serious legislative business. This is in regards to our students. Why are they not letting the house function,” he said.
Rijiju said the government had repeatedly appealed to Congress to participate in the discussion. “We are humbly requesting you to speak, yet you are not allowing the proceedings to continue,” he said, adding that the youth of the country wanted to hear the debate and that the Opposition would have to answer to the public if disruptions continued.
The Opposition maintained that Parliament would not function until Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a statement on the alleged police action against students during the July 20 protest.
Congress MP Pawan Khera said the issue would continue to be raised in Parliament, demanding an apology over the alleged use of pellet guns against students. Responding to the Centre’s decision to set up a high-powered task force on examination reforms under Nandan Nilekani, Khera said the government continued to rely on Congress leaders and their legacy.
He also reacted to senior Supreme Court advocate Mahesh Jethmalani’s remarks on the CJP leadership, saying, “We advise Mahesh Jethmalani to keep his mouth shut as it will benefit him and his party.”
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
Delhi, India, India
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