Chaos in Rajya Sabha: Opposition Protests Over NEET Paper Leak Sparks Adjournment

Disruptions Lead to Adjournment

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha was forced to adjourn on Tuesday due to uproar caused by opposition members demanding accountability regarding police actions against demonstrators protesting the NEET paper leak in the capital.

After a brief adjournment, the House reconvened post-lunch, but Deputy Chairman Harivansh quickly shifted to legislative matters.

In the midst of the uproar, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi presented the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, which was on the agenda for introduction.

Manjhi emphasized the necessity to revise the original Act established in 2006.

Following the bill's introduction, Harivansh urged the protesting members to focus on the next bill.

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at criminalizing disrespect towards national symbols, including the flag and anthem, was also on the agenda but could not be discussed due to the ongoing protests.

Harivansh questioned the opposition's intent, asking if they wished to obstruct the proceedings.

With the protests persisting, the House was adjourned until Wednesday.

Since the Monsoon session began on July 20, the Rajya Sabha has faced continuous disruptions over the NEET paper leak controversy.

Earlier that day, the Upper House was adjourned without any business being conducted due to opposition protests regarding police force used against NEET demonstrators.

Discontent erupted immediately after official documents were presented, with opposition MPs demanding to address the NEET issue.

They also insisted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should appear in the House to clarify the police's actions.

As the noise escalated, the Chair suspended the session until 2 PM.

Later, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X to express that the adjournment was a result of Shah's "continued silence and absence" from the House.

"Today, opposition MPs called for a statement from the Union Home Minister regarding the violence against youth exercising their democratic right to protest at Jantar Mantar. Due to his ongoing silence and absence, the Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned after the MSME Bill was introduced amid the chaos," he stated.