India News Highlights, 27 July 2026: Kapil Sibal announces Rs 1 crore legal aid fund for student protesters

Sibal also appealed to lawyers and members of the public to contribute to the fund, saying legal assistance would be extended wherever peaceful protesters faced alleged misuse of the law.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, addressed a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, alleging that FIRs against student protesters in several states had not been withdrawn despite an agreement reached with the Union government. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, addressed a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, alleging that FIRs against student protesters in several states had not been withdrawn despite an agreement reached with the Union government. File

Independent Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Monday announced a Rs 1 crore contribution towards a legal aid fund for student protesters allegedly facing false cases. Addressing a press conference alongside CJP spokespersons, Sibal said the CJP would create a framework to document action taken against protesters across the country and identify lawyers willing to provide legal assistance. He said a dedicated website would be launched where advocates could register their names, locations and the legal support they could offer.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was “just the beginning” while addressing the press at Delhi’s Rajghat and expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to meaningful reforms in the country’s education system. Wangchuk reached Rajghat after being discharged from Medanta Hospital. After offering tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s burial place, activist Sonam Wangchuk said the conclusion of his 26-day fast reinforced his faith in Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful protest.

Story continues below this ad

If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.

Setback for Vijay, court cancels government jobs for families of Karur stampede victims

In a setback to Tamil Nadu chief Vijay, the Madras High Court observed that granting government jobs to the family of those killed in the Karur stampede would violate constitutional equality provisions and open the ‘floodgates’ for similar claims.

CJP warns of protest again, says students arrested, harassed

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged the government had breached its agreement by allowing police action against protesters and warned the group could resume its agitation in a post on X addressed to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

2020 Delhi riots: Police seek death penalty for Tahir Hussain, others

Delhi Police on Monday urged a Delhi court to award the death penalty to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the 2020 murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the northeast Delhi riots. The court is scheduled to pronounce the sentence on July 31.

Centre to introduce Public Examinations Bill 2026 in Parliament

The Centre has moved to introduce the Public Examinations Bill 2026 in the Monsoon Session, even as the Opposition has filed adjournment notices over the NEET paper leak — setting up a Parliament day where the government’s legislative answer to the exam crisis will face its first public test.

Bihar bandh: Three shot as protesters and police clash in Siwan

Three people suffered bullet injuries in Siwan during clashes between protesters and police amid a Bihar bandh called over the NEET paper leak. One of the injured said he had “come to get a certificate” and found himself caught in the firing — a detail that captures how quickly the protests have escalated beyond their student core.

Dharmendra Pradhan: Setback in Delhi, undiminished in Odisha

Despite sustained pressure from the CJP-led protests demanding his resignation over NEET, Dharmendra Pradhan’s political standing in Odisha remains intact — an analysis of how BJP’s calculation on whether to sacrifice the minister is being shaped as much by state-level arithmetic as by the national optics of the exam scandal.

Nandan Nilekani’s exam reform task force: Meet the six experts

The government has constituted a high-powered task force on exam reform led by Nandan Nilekani, with six specialists drawn from testing, technology and education policy. The panel’s composition will be read carefully for signals about how structural — or how cosmetic — the government’s reform intent really is.

Live Updates
Jul 27, 2026 07:58 PM IST
IMA Maharashtra warns of statewide strike over homeopathy practitioners holding CCMP

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra unit, on Monday warned of a statewide shutdown of medical services if the state government goes ahead with registering homeopathy practitioners holding the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) with the Maharashtra Medical Council before the Bombay High Court delivers its verdict.

IMA Maharashtra urged the government to keep the registration process on hold until the court decides the matter, with the next hearings scheduled for August 13 and 14. The association said there is no statutory framework governing the permanent or dual registration of BHMS-CCMP holders in the allopathic medical register and questioned the urgency of issuing registration certificates while the matter remains sub judice. It also argued that the state's recent decision to abolish compulsory MBBS bond service due to an adequate number of doctors undermines the rationale for continuing the CCMP pathway.

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 27, 2026 06:44 PM IST
Kapil Sibal announces Rs 1 crore legal aid fund for student protesters

Independent Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Monday announced a Rs 1 crore contribution towards a legal aid fund for student protesters allegedly facing false cases.

Addressing a press conference alongside CJP spokespersons, Sibal said the CJP would create a framework to document action taken against protesters across the country and identify lawyers willing to provide legal assistance. He said a dedicated website would be launched where advocates could register their names, locations and the legal support they could offer. Sibal also appealed to lawyers and members of the public to contribute to the fund, saying legal assistance would be extended wherever peaceful protesters faced alleged misuse of the law.

Jul 27, 2026 06:33 PM IST
Brent crude drops over 8% as US-Iran pause raises hopes of oil supply recovery

Brent crude fell more than 8% to below $89 a barrel after the pause in fighting raised hopes that oil supplies would return to normal. However, Jordan said it shot down two drones and Iraqi security sources reported drone strikes on an Iranian Kurdish opposition base, raising concerns that the ceasefire may not hold. A US official said President Donald Trump halted the bombing campaign after military commanders warned they were running out of viable targets.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jul 27, 2026 06:31 PM IST
Iran says it still controls Strait of Hormuz, rejects reports of new US talks

Iran said it remains in control of the Strait of Hormuz and denied seeking renewed talks with the United States after President Donald Trump halted a two-week bombing campaign.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said reports that Tehran had requested fresh talks with Washington were "fabricated", adding, "This is not in our DNA." Iranian state media also claimed six ships attempting to cross the Strait without Tehran's permission had been turned back.

Jul 27, 2026 06:22 PM IST
BJP chief Nitin Nabin, Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary lead Bankipur bypoll roadshow

BJP National President Nitin Nabin, accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, on Monday participated in a roadshow ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election.

Jul 27, 2026 06:20 PM IST
Delhi rains: Showers lash parts of Delhi

Rain lashed parts of the national capital on Monday, with visuals from Raisina Road showing wet conditions across central Delhi.

Jul 27, 2026 06:11 PM IST
CJP alleges FIRs against protesters remain despite agreement with government

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, addressed a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, alleging that FIRs against student protesters in several states had not been withdrawn despite an agreement reached with the Union government.

During the briefing, CJP spokesperson Ratna Singh alleged that protesters had faced "intense" police action in several places in Bihar, Bengal and Delhi, including the Bihar policeman seen firing AK-47 during protest and said the party was in touch with lawyers handling cases registered against protesters. The CJP reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of FIRs and legal action against those allegedly responsible for excesses during the protests.

(Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Jul 27, 2026 06:06 PM IST
Setback for Vijay, court cancels jobs for families of Karur stampede victims

The Madras High Court on Monday observed that the government order to provide jobs to the family members of those killed in the Karur stampede would violate Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and equality of opportunity in public employment.

The court also said such a direction would open the "floodgates" for similar claims from families of victims in other incidents seeking government employment.

Jul 27, 2026 05:43 PM IST
CJP says legal team assisting protesters after alleged police action

Police brutalities have been intense in places, we are in contact with lawyers seeing the cases against protesters, said Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ratna Singh in a presser Monday July, 27.

Jul 27, 2026 05:34 PM IST
Rijiju urges Opposition to debate Public Examinations Bill

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday appealed to the Opposition, particularly the Congress, to participate in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it an important legislation for students and youth.

Rijiju said members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches had prepared for the debate, with several Opposition MPs also submitting amendments. He accused the Congress and some of its allies of preventing discussion despite earlier demanding a debate on examination reforms. Urging the Opposition to take part, Rijiju said the Bill was aimed at improving the lives of students and asked Congress not to further damage its public image by obstructing proceedings.

(With inputs from Sansad TV)

Jul 27, 2026 05:26 PM IST
Abhishek Banerjee writes to Om Birla seeking quick decision on 20 rebel MPs' disqualification

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting the expeditious disposal of disqualification petitions against 20 rebel MPs.

According to the TMC, the MPs had announced their decision to join the NCPI, prompting the party to seek action under the anti-defection law.

Jul 27, 2026 05:11 PM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid Opposition uproar

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Monday after repeated disruptions and protests by Opposition members during the Monsoon Session.

The house was earlier adjourned till 5 pm Monday, July 27.

Jul 27, 2026 05:09 PM IST
Malviya Nagar hotel fire case: Delhi court grants bail to cook Keshar Negi

A Delhi court on Monday granted bail to cook Keshar Negi on Monday, who was arrested in connection with the Malviya Nagar hotel fire case.

Jul 27, 2026 04:59 PM IST
Dubai-Mumbai IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Rajkot after smoke scare

An IndiGo flight operating from Dubai to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Rajkot International Airport in Gujarat on Monday after smoke was detected in the cargo hold area, airport authorities said.

The aircraft, carrying 194 passengers and crew members, landed safely, and all those onboard are reported to be safe. Authorities are investigating the cause of the smoke detection.

Jul 27, 2026 04:58 PM IST
Bank of Baroda confirms data breach after employee email hacked

State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) on Monday confirmed a cybersecurity incident in which threat actors gained unauthorised access to certain data through a compromised employee email account.

In a statement, the bank said the breach was detected promptly and containment measures were immediately implemented. BoB said its core banking systems were not affected and continue to remain secure. The lender added that a forensic investigation is underway and that it is working with the relevant authorities in line with regulatory requirements.

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 27, 2026 04:53 PM IST
CJP alleges police action despite agreement, threatens to resume protests

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka on Monday alleged that authorities had violated an understanding that no police action would be taken against protesters.

In a post on X addressed to BJP president JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Ranka claimed that students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal, while volunteers and protesters were being detained, surveilled or harassed in Delhi and other states.

He demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters, the release of detained students and a written agreement outlining the government's commitments and timelines. Ranka warned that the CJP would be "forced to sit on protest again" if the demands were not met.

Jul 27, 2026 04:51 PM IST
Tahir Hussain taken to jail after Karkardooma court hearing

Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain has been taken back to jail after the Karkardooma court hearing on the 2020 murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma on July 27, 2026. After Delhi Police seeked death penalty to Hussain and others convicted Monday, the sentence is scheduled to be pronounced on July 31.

Jul 27, 2026 04:42 PM IST
2020 Delhi riots: Police seek death penalty for Tahir Hussain in Ankit Sharma murder case

Delhi Police on Monday urged a Delhi court to award the death penalty to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the 2020 murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the northeast Delhi riots.

The prosecution described the killing as "cold-blooded" and "heinous", alleging Sharma suffered 51 injuries, including seven independently fatal wounds. Opposing the plea, Hussain's counsel argued that the case did not fall within the "rarest of rare" category, citing his conduct in prison and contending that a single individual could not be held responsible amid widespread riot violence. The court is scheduled to pronounce the sentence on July 31.

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 27, 2026 04:39 PM IST
Sonam Wangchuk visits Rajghat, says Gandhi’s path ‘remains as relevant today as 100 years ago’

Education activist Sonam Wangchuk visited Rajghat in Delhi on Monday before returning to Ladakh to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, after being released from Medanta Hospital where he broke his hunger strike that was started at Jantar Mantar as part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid irregularities in the education system on June 28, 2026.

Sharing a video of his visit on X, Wangchuk wrote, “Visited Rajghat… before going home. Thank you Bapu, for the path you showed… We just learnt that it remains as relevant today as 100 years ago.”

The video shows Wangchuk paying his respects at the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. He concluded his post by writing, “No copyright, may share freely.”

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Jul 27, 2026 04:25 PM IST
'No hatred or anger towards anyone', says Sonam Wangchuk on ending hunger strike at ministers' hands

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike by accepting soup from union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh reflected Ladakhi tradition, where a senior government representative breaking a fast is seen as recognition of the protest's success.

Speaking after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Wangchuk said he bore "no hatred or anger" towards any minister or opposition leader. Citing Gandhi's teachings, he said people should oppose wrongful actions rather than hate those responsible, adding that he wanted to respond to every situation with "composure and calmness."

Jul 27, 2026 04:15 PM IST
Sonam Wangchuk, wife Gitanjali Angmo pay tribute at Rajghat

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and his wife Gitanjali J. Angmo paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat following the activist's discharge from Medanta Hospital, Delhi, where he also concluded his hunger strike that was started at Jantar Mantar as part of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid irregularities in the education system and repeated paper leaks on June 28, 2026.

It is important to note that Pradhan resigned from his position as the Education Minister on July 24, 2026 complying with the demand of thousands of protesters who joined the movement in and around Jantar Mantar in the past few weeks, and especially from July 20's "Sansad Chalo" march to the Parliament.

Jul 27, 2026 03:47 PM IST
'Gandhian path' remains relevant today: Sonam Wangchuk at Rajghat

After offering tributes at Rajghat, activist Sonam Wangchuk said the conclusion of his 26-day fast reinforced his faith in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of peaceful protest.

Wangchuk said he had first come to Rajghat before beginning his fast and returned to express gratitude to Gandhi, adding that the movement had shown the Gandhian path remained as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. Drawing on his experience in Ladakh over the past five to six years, he said peaceful methods had now also proved effective at the national level and urged people to pursue their grievances through non-violent means, saying solutions may take time but can ultimately be achieved.

Jul 27, 2026 03:45 PM IST
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is just the beginning: Sonam Wangchuk

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was "just the beginning" while addressing the press at Rajghat and expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to meaningful reforms in the country's education system.

Speaking in Delhi, Wangchuk welcomed discussions on the proposed Public Examinations Amendment Bill, saying appropriate measures should be adopted after thorough deliberation. He also stressed that no action should be taken against those participating in peaceful protests, calling peaceful protest a constitutional right that must be respected, while adding that the law should deal with anyone acting with malicious intent.

Jul 27, 2026 03:42 PM IST
Apni Janata Party chief protests demolition order for Jauhar University

Apni Janata Party (AJP) national president Swami Prasad Maurya on Monday staged a protest in Lucknow against the demolition order for Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur.

Addressing supporters, Maurya described Jauhar University as a renowned educational institution and alleged that the government's move to demolish it was driven by a "narrow mindset". He said AJP workers had taken to the streets to demand protection for the university and to safeguard "lakhs of schools" that he claimed were at risk of closure.

Jul 27, 2026 03:38 PM IST
Delhi Police seek death penalty for Tahir Hussain, others in Ankit Sharma murder case

Delhi Police on Monday urged a Delhi court to award the death penalty to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and the other convicts in the 2020 murder of Intelligence Bureau staffer Ankit Sharma, describing the killing as "heinous", "brutal" and "cold-blooded".

The prosecution argued that Sharma suffered 51 injuries, including seven independently fatal wounds and 16 caused by sharp-edged weapons, contending that the nature of the assault placed the case in the "rarest of rare" category. Opposing the plea, Hussain's counsel argued that the death penalty should be imposed only in exceptional cases, citing his conduct during the trial and noting that he had been acquitted of the criminal conspiracy charge. The defence also argued that the police failed to establish conspiracy and that a single individual could not be held solely responsible amid widespread riot violence. The court will reserve its sentencing order after concluding arguments on quantum of sentence.

Jul 27, 2026 02:24 PM IST
Kejriwal announces National Town Hall Against E20

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced a "National Town Hall Against E20" to be held on August 1 at Delhi's Constitution Club, saying the event will bring together experts, transporters and vehicle owners to press the Centre to withdraw the ethanol-blended fuel policy. Calling it "only the beginning," Kejriwal said he would later submit a petition signed by over two lakh people to the Prime Minister. He also criticised alleged police action against students despite the Centre's assurances, saying governments must not act against peaceful protesters.

Jul 27, 2026 12:41 PM IST
Bihar cop who fired AK-47 during CJP protest Suspended

Bihar policeman, seen firing an AK-47 during CJP protest have been suspended. The video of the incident was viral on social media.

Jul 27, 2026 12:11 PM IST
Anti-paper leak bill introduced in Lok Sabha, both the houses adjurned till 2 PM

Lok Sabha was adjourned soon after the Anti-paper leak bill was introduced in the House. Earlier Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM.

Jul 27, 2026 12:04 PM IST
Maharashtra minister urges women to save part of ₹1,500 Ladki Bahin aid

Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare has urged beneficiaries of the state's Ladki Bahin scheme not to spend the entire ₹1,500 monthly assistance on shopping, advising them to save a portion in self-help groups, banks or cooperative societies for future needs. Her remarks come amid criticism over the government's decision to remove around 92 lakh women from the scheme's beneficiary list. Opposition parties have accused the Mahayuti government of reneging on its promises to women.

Jul 27, 2026 11:22 AM IST
Parliament adjurned, to reconvene at 12 noon

Both houses of Parliament are adjourned till 12 noon amid opposition demand on Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on 'excessive use of force' during the CJP protest

Jul 27, 2026 11:04 AM IST
Opposition to seek Home Minister Amit Shah's statement, plans to disrupt Parliament: Sources

Opposition parties have decided to stall Parliament proceedings on Monday, demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged police excesses in Delhi, sources said. The decision was taken during a meeting of Opposition leaders at Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament ahead of the day's proceedings.

Jul 27, 2026 10:40 AM IST
Students continue protests despite CJP ending agitation in Bengaluru

A day after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) withdrew its protest following the Union government's in-principle acceptance of its demands, students in Bengaluru said they would continue demonstrations seeking broader education reforms. At a gathering organised by AISA Karnataka at Freedom Park, participants said the movement now extends beyond NEET to issues of equitable access to education, democracy and social justice.

Police have also registered a suo motu FIR against an unidentified woman over placards allegedly supporting jailed activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam during Friday's protest.

Jul 27, 2026 10:23 AM IST
19-year-old dies by suicide after NEET-UG result; police say exam stress cited in note

A 19-year-old girl allegedly died by suicide at her home in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district after failing to clear the NEET-UG examination, police said. The deceased, identified as Ankita Suresh Sangale, had reportedly left a suicide note indicating she was under stress over her exam result. Police have registered an accidental death report and are investigating the case. According to family members, Ankita scored 166 marks in the re-examination, below the 177 cut-off for her category.

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments