Parliament's Monsoon Session Adjourned Amid Opposition Protests
Parliament Session Disrupted
The Monsoon session of Parliament was adjourned on July 20 due to disruptions caused by opposition members from the Congress-led coalition. The opposition demanded discussions on allegations regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and misappropriation of donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were suspended for the day and are set to resume at 11:00 AM on July 21. Similarly, the Lok Sabha's session was also postponed until the following morning at 11:00 AM. This session is scheduled to continue until August 13, with expectations of heated debates, particularly in light of the upcoming state elections.
Legislative Proposals Introduced
During the Lok Sabha proceedings, amidst opposition slogans, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 'Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026'. This bill aims to amend the 'Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956', proposing to increase the sanctioned number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, replacing a previously issued ordinance. Due to the uproar from opposition members on various issues, the question hour and zero hour could not take place in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Upcoming Legislative Changes
In the Rajya Sabha, the government plans to introduce the 'Prevention of Insult to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026', which seeks to amend the 'Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971'. The proposed amendment would classify any obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' as a criminal offense. The opposition has indicated its intention to push for discussions on the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, alleged irregularities in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and other pressing issues during the session.
New Members Sworn In
On Monday, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath to nine newly elected members of the upper house. The members represent states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Among those taking the oath were Mukeshbhai J. Rathwa from Gujarat (BJP), Pawan Khera from Karnataka (Congress), Mahesh Kevat from Madhya Pradesh (BJP), James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma from Meghalaya (NPP), Khiyangte Laltluangki Ma from Mizoram, Satish Poonia from Rajasthan (BJP), and Prakash Chik Barai, Sushmita Dev, and Sukendu Shekhar Roy from West Bengal (BJP).
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