Rajya Sabha adjourned amid Opposition uproar
The Parliament resumed proceedings on Monday. (Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab)The Centre on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha amid disruption by the Opposition. The bill, introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, seeks to strengthen the anti-paper leak law and increase the punishment for those involved in paper leaks. The house was adjourned shortly after the bill was introduced after a voice vote. The Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla has allotted six hours for discussion on the bill and said that the timing for discussion could be extended if needed.
The Parliament resumed on a stormy note on Monday with the Opposition parties continuing their protest over the police excesses during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar.
The proposed legislation seeking amendment to the two-year-old anti-paper leak law increases the punishment for individuals involved in paper leaks of government examinations, from three to five years’ imprisonment to five to 10 years, while also increasing the fine from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The draft Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026 was approved by the Cabinet on Friday and circulated among MPs on Saturday.
The Bill was approved by the Cabinet a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement to the effect, in response to the ongoing students’ protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak of the NEET-UG paper in May.
On Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "All the members have come prepared, and several members from the Opposition have also submitted amendments; they, too, are well-prepared. This is an important Bill, one that is vital for the lives of children, youth, and students...Yet, the Congress party and some of its allies are deliberately preventing a discussion on such an important Bill...Initially, they were insisting that a discussion should take place, pointing out that the matter concerns examinations and the welfare of children. Now that such a significant Bill has been brought forward for discussion, and time has been allocated, they are still behaving in this manner. I urge my colleagues in the Congress party: please do not do this. Your image has already suffered greatly; do not engage in actions that will bring further disrepute to your party. The entire party should stand united and participate in the discussion on this important Bill, which aims to improve the lives of our youth and students"
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day following uproar by the Opposition.
"This bill is just a band-aid; if the government were serious, it would bring such a draft that would address challenges in education sector in comprehensive manner", says Congress MP Manish Tewari on Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.
PTI inputs
As soon as the Upper House met at 3 PM following multiple adjournments earlier during the day, Deputy Chairman Harivansh appealed to the protesting members to take their seats, to allow the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 -- which was listed for consideration and passing in the list of business -- to be discussed and taken forward.
However, as sloganeering by Opposition members continued, Harivansh adjourned the Rajya Sabha till 5:15 PM.
Earlier, the Upper House was adjourned soon after it met at 2 PM, following two previous adjournments in the day, as Opposition parties led by Congress sought to raise the matter of alleged police brutality against the students.
When the Rajya Sabha met at 12 noon, after the first adjournment at 11 am, Opposition MPs again raised the issue of the alleged police brutalities.
PTI
After resuming shortly, Rajya Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 5:15 pm.
The Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 3 pm as the Opposition kept raising slogans over police action against students who were protesting for paper leak.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijeju says, "The speaker has proposed for extending the timing if needed but the opposition is in no mood for a fruitful discussion." Speaker Om Birla reiterated the urgency of the bill and said to ensure ample time for proper retrospection, I am allowing about three hours to all the members of the Parliament.
Lok Sabha is adjourned till 5 pm.
Proceedings resume in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, speaker Om Birla urges members to maintain dignity while he reads out features of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill. He said that the bill is important for the future of thousands of youngsters in our country. The Opposition continues to chant slogans. Meanwhile, the speaker said that if the members want to discuss the bill even for over 6 hours, I would extend the time for up to 6 hours or more if needed.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared a video on X after he introduced the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha earlier today.
Introduced "The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026", to amend "The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024. pic.twitter.com/CaOa044dDP
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) July 27, 2026
As the Public Examinations Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said the proposed legislation would ensure strict action against cheating, paper leaks and other unfair practices in examinations, and urged all MPs to support it. "PM Modi is the protector of democratic values, and he understands the aspirations of the people. The Cabinet has approved this, and it will certainly lead to strict action on all these issues like cheating, paper leaks, and such," Manjhi told ANI.
The government on Monday slammed the Opposition over Parliament disruption, saying the House should be allowed to run smoothly since the Centre has brought a strict law against paper leaks. Speaking to reporters, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said, "Rahul Gandhi should answer: When the government has brought a strict law in the House regarding NEET and paper leaks, then the House should be allowed to run smoothly today? The Opposition has only created a ruckus. The country is watching that they have no faith in democracy. Even when there should be a discussion in the House today, the Opposition is obstructing it."
BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as the Education Minister on Saturday, entered the Parliament amid "Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad" slogans by the party MPs.
Watch the video here:
#watch | Delhi: Former Union Education Minister and BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan arrives at the Parliament.
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026
BJP-NDA MPs sloganeer "Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad" as they receive him here. pic.twitter.com/7DHXIzMkvI
Congress said it will continue to protest and demand accountability until Home Minister Amit Shah responds to the police excesses during July 20 Jantar Mantar protest. Speaking to ANI on the issue, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, "Until the Union Home Minister answers, we will continue to raise our demand (accountability for police action on student protesters on July 20)...We thank the Supreme Court for saying this (existence of an agitation cannot justify police excesses). The way women were misbehaved with; who were those people in plain clothes? Were they RSS goons? All this happened before Delhi Police and the Union Home Minister will take accountability for it. Have you ever heard of pellet guns being used in Delhi? Is it justified for the police to use such guns and threaten our own children?"
Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha earlier today. The Bill was passed by a voice vote amid massive protest by the Opposition.
The Opposition has been demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on police lathicharge on July 20 during Jantar Mantar protest, The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary reports. The House has been adjourned till 2 pm.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm, shortly after the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced in the Lower House of the Parliament.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha amid Opposition protest.
The Lok Sabha proceedings resumed at 12 PM on Monday even as the Opposition continue to protest in the House.
The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm amid protest by the Opposition.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Monday alleged that an atmosphere of terror has been created in Bihar and that 800 children have been sent to jail. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, he said, "Are our children terrorists? Is our daughter a criminal? Is it wrong to raise our voice for our rights? So far, 800 children have been sent to jail in Bihar. An atmosphere of terror has been created."
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: Independent MP Pappu Yadav says, "Are our children terrorists? Is our daughter a criminal? Is it wrong to raise our voice for our rights? So far, 800 children have been sent to jail in Bihar. An atmosphere of terror has been created." pic.twitter.com/c6QTfAXJG6
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon on Monday as Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused Home Minister Amit Shah of being responsible for the violence against protestors. Raising the issue in the House, Kharge said he had given a notice under Rule 267 seeking an immediate discussion on the matter.
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, however, said the matter could not be taken up under the existing rules and referred to earlier rulings on the issue. "See, I have to go by the rules, or I have to break the rules--you tell me," Radhakrishnan said. Kharge insisted that the issue was of exceptional importance and sought permission for a discussion.
Speaking outside the Parliament on the Cockroach Janta Party protest, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, "Police action on protestors cannot be justified. The way weapons were shown, children were scared and threatened."
BJP MP Sambit Patra on Monday attacked Rahul Gandhi over his claim that the police in Bihar fired at protestors using AK-47. Reacting to Gandhi's claim posed on social media platform X, Sambit Patra said, "It is a matter of great shame that the Leader of the Opposition has shown irresponsibility by claiming that police used AK-47s against student protesters. Such falsehoods should not be spread by someone holding such a constitutional position. Rahul Gandhi is trying to create manufactured anger and anarchy by spreading canards. Police have never used AK-47s to fire on protesters. He should apologise to the nation for spreading such false claims."
Patra was reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's X post, where the Congress leader shared reports of police firing using AK-47 at the protesting students in Bihar.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsछात्रों के ख़िलाफ़ पूरा का पूरा सिस्टम ही जानलेवा है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 27, 2026
खबर आ रही है कि बिहार में प्रदर्शन कर रहे छात्रों पर AK-47 से गोलियाँ चलाई गई हैं और सैकड़ों छात्रों को गिरफ़्तार करके उनपर FIR की जा रही है।
मोदी जी, कहाँ गया आपका वादा कि छात्रों पर कोई FIR नहीं की जाएगी और उन्हें रिहा कर… https://t.co/c7zdyyeLA0
The Samajwadi Party has joined the DMK to demand a complete ban on NEET, adding that the examination should be left to the states. “UP will be at the front to seek for a ban on NEET,” Akhilesh Yadav told The Indian Express.
The pictures from today show the Opposition's protest at the Parliament gates.



The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 pm amid protest by the Opposition on a range of issues. The proceedings in the Lok Sabha were adjourned after the Lower House protested the police action during Jantar Mantar protest.
The Upper House was also adjourned shortly after the proceedings resumed in the Parliament.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned shortly after the proceedings resume in the Lower House amid protest by the Opposition.
During Monday morning's meeting at Rajya Sabha LOP Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament, Opposition parties have decided that they will stall Parliament proceedings today demanding a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah over police excesses in Delhi, sources told The Indian Express' Asad Rehman.
The Opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress, met at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's office.
Reacting to the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026, BJP MP Rahul Sinha said, "This bill is being introduced to prevent future paper leaks and to ensure strict punishment if they do occur. The Congress party has already revealed its true colours; they are looking for roundabout ways to oppose the bill... They simply want to stall the House and bring its proceedings to a halt... If the House operates, all their past misdeeds will be exposed... That is why I urge Congress and its allies: at least show some regard for the people of India and respect the House. Engage in the necessary discussions... But let the House function."
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has also arrived at the Parliament. While speaking to reporters at the Parliament gates, the Wayanad MP raised the issue of cases against NEET paper leak protestors and demanded the apology of the prime minister and the home minister over the issue.
"I have heard that FIRs are still being filed against students in Bihar and Bengal. I have heard this, but it is not yet verified. So, what is the use then?" she told ANI.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: On Congress' demand of apology from PM and HM, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I have heard that FIRs are still being filed against students in Bihar and Bengal. I have heard this, but it is not yet verified. So, what is the use then?" pic.twitter.com/tvEWCWoxs1
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026
Former Minister and BJP Leader B Sriramulu praised PM Modi for taking "bold decisions in the interest of students' future" and launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in Karnataka over drought relief and KPSC irregularities. Sriramulu said the confusion over NEET had forced the Centre to act decisively, according to ANI.
"For the sake of children's future, Modi has taken an important decision. There was a lot of confusion regarding NEET. That's why Modi took a firm decision," Sriramulu said, adding, "Whoever was involved in paper leak cases has been sent to jail. There should be fast-track courts, and cases must be disposed of within 3 months."
He added that a Bill is being discussed in Parliament to impose 10 years' jail and a Rs 10 crore fine for paper leaks. "In the interest of students' future, a statutory decision has been taken. Modi is with the students. A decision has been taken that will not hurt students' sentiments," he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has arrived at the Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha will attend a meeting of the Opposition leaders before the Parliament convenes its session.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi arrives for a meeting of Opposition leaders, in Parliament. pic.twitter.com/mPEpq7kkTF
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026
Reacting to the formation of a High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms under the leadership of Nandan Nilekani, CPI(M) MP John Brittas said, "I'm glad that the PM appreciates Nandan Nilekani. In fact, the PM had laughed at him when he was put in charge of the Aadhaar project... I really want to ask the government what has happened to the Radhakrishnan committee, which was appointed clearly two years before. That committee submitted a report with 184 pages. The government has been sitting on it... This is how they want to sidestep the issue and not address the real concern of the students. I feel that it's not the committees but a lack of willpower and a transparent system that is lacking in our country."
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: On the formation of a High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms under the leadership of Nandan Nilekani, CPI(M) MP John Brittas says, "I'm glad that the PM appreciates Nandan Nilekani. In fact, the PM had laughed at him when he was put in charge of the… pic.twitter.com/7W5QAP5uNy
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is admitted at the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, will go to Rajghat at around 11 am on Monday.
The Congress on Monday took a swipe at the Modi government over the announcement of a committee on exam reforms, alleging that it was aimed at diverting the attention of people. The grand-old party said the Modi government has still not finished implementing the 101 recommendations of the K Radhakrishnan Committee formed in 2024 after "it bungled multiple examinations including NEET-UG".
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared on X two video clips -- one of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announcing in 2024 that the government would set up a high-level committee to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations; and another of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announcing the constitution of a high-powered task force on exam reforms.
Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav said paper leaks cannot be prevented merely by enacting stricter laws, asserting that the root causes lie within the examination process and the increasing digitisation of the system, as the government prepares to introduce the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav claimed that examination paper leaks typically originate at critical stages such as drafting, printing or through networks linked to coaching centres. "Paper leaks occur either where the paper is drafted, where it is printed, or at some other critical stage. Coaching centres with extensive reach often have inside arrangements--that is where the leaks originate. No matter how many laws you enact. All these irregularities began once the process went digital; such things didn't happen before the digital era. It cannot yield any benefit. Leaking or hacking is very easy," Yadav said.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for the "barbaric assault" on peacefully protesting students and asked whether he approved the use of "lethal force", including pellet guns, against the youth. In the letter, Gandhi said peaceful protest is crucial to any democracy, and it is the government's responsibility to protect protestors and resolve their grievances through dialogue.
"Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard," Gandhi said. "I write to demand accountability for the barbaric assault on students who were peacefully protesting in Delhi on July 20, 2026. Our students were demanding a fair and accountable education system. Instead of being heard, security forces assaulted them with indiscriminate force, including lethal weapons and tear gas," Gandhi added.
He said hundreds of protestors have suffered serious injuries and women students have been assaulted by policemen, including by deliberately targeting their private parts. He added that the most shocking has been the use of pellet guns.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsछात्रों को मारने का आदेश किसने दिया? pic.twitter.com/NDwfka1UqO
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 26, 2026
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar has given Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 to discuss "the constitution of an Independent Judicial Commission to inquire into the brutal police action against the students who protested against the NEET exam irregularities and the circumstances leading to the nationwide student agitation, including the total failure of the examination system", ANI reported.
The Union government is set to introduce the Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha today, which increases the punishment for individuals involved in paper leaks of public examinations from three to five years’ imprisonment to five to 10 years, while also increasing the fine from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
The draft Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026 also increases the punishment for organised crime of unfair means in public examinations from imprisonment of at least five years to at least seven years and the fine from at least Rs 1 crore to at least Rs 10 crore.
The draft Bill also provides for a ‘Special Task Force’ to investigate the cases of unfair means, with a timeline of two months for the investigation. The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement to the effect, in response to recent students’ protests over the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Read more
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has given a Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha to discuss the "plight of the students" due to the NEET exam and students' suicide. The DMK MP's notice calls for abolishing the NEET exam.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the "failure of the Government to prevent and its responsibility for the use of excessive and lethal force, including alleged pellet guns and shock batons, by security forces" against protesting students during July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar. He said the police excesses resulted in "grave injuries, including probable loss of eyesight, suffered by student protestors."
Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking a discussion on the need for a new anti-defection law to address "political defections driven by opportunism" while protecting genuine ideological dissent, PTI reported.
The government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha. Union Minister Jitendra Singh is set to introduce the bill to strengthen the anti-paper leak law, following which the proposed legislation will be voted and passed by the House.
