Opposition Disrupts Lok Sabha Discussion on NEET Paper Leak Bill
Lok Sabha Session Disrupted by Protests
New Delhi, July 27 – The Lok Sabha was unable to commence discussions on a bill aimed at preventing the leakage of examination papers due to uproar from opposition members regarding police actions against protesting students last week in Delhi. The government had introduced the bill concerning the Prevention of Unfair Means in Examinations (Amendment) Bill, 2026, but the session was suspended for the day after three adjournments caused by demands from Congress and other opposition parties for a response from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the police's actions against students.
Earlier, after two adjournments, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged the opposition members, who were protesting the police actions, to participate in the discussion on the bill. He called for cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties to reach a consensus on the matter, stating, "We want to discuss this topic. I am giving you three hours to do so."
He further emphasized the importance of the bill, linking it to the future and aspirations of millions of youth in the country, and highlighted its role in effectively curbing crimes like paper leaks and ensuring strict penalties for offenders. Birla insisted that all members should contribute their opinions on this significant legislation.
Birla remarked, "Shouting slogans and waving placards does not facilitate discussion on the bill." He assured that six hours would be allocated for debate, with the possibility of extending the time if needed. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted the bill's significance and the numerous amendment notices received, indicating a strong interest among members to express their views. He pointed out the contradiction of the opposition members protesting while simultaneously hindering the discussion.
Rijiju urged Congress to encourage their colleagues to engage in the debate rather than obstruct it, warning that such actions send a negative message. When the session resumed at 5 PM, he acknowledged that many members had come prepared and had submitted amendment notices, yet Congress and some allies continued to prevent the discussion.
The presiding officer, Krishna Prasad Tenneti, appealed to the opposition to cooperate in initiating the discussion but, seeing no response, adjourned the session shortly after. Earlier, at 11 AM, the session had begun with protests from Congress and other opposition members demanding accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police actions against students, leading to an adjournment until noon.
Birla had warned some protesting members of potential disciplinary action for undermining the decorum of the house. Following a brief resumption of proceedings after one adjournment, opposition members resumed their protests. Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh, introduced the Prevention of Unfair Means in Examinations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amidst the chaos. With the uproar continuing, Birla adjourned the session again until 2 PM. The ongoing deadlock over the NEET paper leak issue has prevented question hour and zero hour from taking place since the start of the monsoon session on July 20.