Parliament adjourns for the day following Opposition’s uproar over NEET issue

New Delhi, July 27

New Delhi, July 27
Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day following uproar by opposition parties on alleged police action during students’ protest over NEET issue.
In the Lok Sabha, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced today. The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh introduced the Bill in the House. The legislation incorporates several significant provisions, including stringent penalties such as imprisonment for up to ten years, fines of up to ten crore rupees, and the seizure of the properties of convicted offenders.
To ensure the expeditious disposal of cases, the legislation mandates that every State Government and Union Territory Administration establish Special Fast Track Courts for the day-to-day trial. It further provides that investigations into offences must be completed within two months from the date the information is recorded at the police station. The trials must be concluded within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.
When the House met after the third adjournment at 5 PM, Presiding Officer Krishna Prasad Tenneti tried to take up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 for discussion. However, Opposition MPs were on their feet sloganeering and demanding withdrawal of FIRs filed against students during the protest on the NEET issue. Mr Tenneti urged the opposition Members to participate in the discussion.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that Congress and its allies are deliberately not allowing the debate on the Bill. He said, the Speaker has given six hours of time for this important legislation and more time can be given if needed. He appealed to the opposition members to participate the discussion as it is in the interest and future of the country’s youth.
As the pandemonium continued, the presiding officer adjourned the House till 11 AM tomorrow.
Earlier, when the House reassembled after the second adjournment at 2 PM, Speaker Om Birla tried to take up discussion on the bill. However, the opposition members continued their sloganeering demanding withdrawal of FIRs filed against students during the protest on the NEET issue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that sufficient time has been allocated for the Bill and a large number of amendment notices have also been received. He said, the number of amendment notices submitted by the members clearly shows that they want to express their views on this matter. The Minister expressed concern over the behaviour of opposition parties, saying that the youth of the country are closely watching this issue. Mr Rijiju said, disrupting discussion on such an important Bill sends a very wrong message.
Speaker Om Birla said that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is an important legislation connected with the future, hard work, and aspirations of crores of youth of the country. He said this Bill is a significant step towards effectively curbing crimes such as paper leaks and ensuring strict punitive provisions against those responsible. Mr Birla urged members that this Bill should be discussed, and members from all parties should present their views on it. He said, 91 amendments have been received on this Bill, which clearly indicates that there is a wide range of opinions that must be heard.
The Speaker said that in a democracy, the expression of diverse views and opinions is its greatest strength. Mr Birla said that sloganeering and disruptions do not contribute to meaningful deliberation and appealed to members to allow a proper discussion on this legislation. He said, six hours have been allocated for the debate, and it can also be extended, in accordance with the sense of the House.
Despite repeated appeals from the Speaker, the opposition members continued with their protest, which led to adjournment of the House till 5 PM.
Earlier, when the Lok Sabha met after the first adjournment at 12 noon, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced. During the introduction of the Bill, the opposition members were on their feet demanding discussion of alleged police action during recent student protests over the NEET issue. Speaker Om Birla said that members across political parties had been demanding deliberation on the issue of NEET and the bill introduced in the lower House is an initial step towards reform. He stated that the bill is of significant importance and requires a comprehensive discussion, reflecting both the will of the House and the sentiments of the nation.
Mr Birla urged members to express their views and opinions so that effective measures can be taken to address issues related to the examination system in the country. The Speaker appealed to all members to extend their cooperation and participate actively in the discussion on this important bill, but the opposition members were sloganeering over the alleged police action on student protests. As the pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 2 PM.
When the Lok Sabha assembled for the day at 11 AM, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla congratulated India’s star weightlifters Mirabai Chanu, Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, Raja Muthupandi and Para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar on winning medals at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. He said, Indian athletes have delivered an outstanding performance during the Games. Mr Birla also congratulated their coaches and Team India on this historic achievement, and conveyed best wishes for their bright future.
When the Speaker tried to take up the Question Hour, the opposition members raised the issue of alleged police action during students’ protest. He said that during Question Hour, no other issues or matters will be taken up. He urged opposition members to cooperate in conducting the Question Hour smoothly. Mr Birla said, creating disruptions during Question Hour is not appropriate. The Speaker said, for the past few days, he has been observing the conduct and behaviour of some Members, which is not in accordance with the dignity and decorum of the House. Mr Birla warned that he will be forced to take action against those Members who are attempting to undermine the traditions and decorum of the House.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha has also been adjourned till 11 AM tomorrow over the same issue.
When the Upper House met after the fourth adjournment at 5.15 PM, Deputy Chairman Harivansh tried to take up the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for discussion. But the opposition MPs started sloganeering, pressing their demand.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the conduct of the opposition parties for obstructing the proceedings of the House. He said, despite repeated appeals, the Congress is still not cooperating. Mr Rijiju said, outside Parliament, Congress leaders claim that they are not allowed to speak in Parliament, but when the government is requesting them to participate in the discussion, they are not doing so. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a strong stand on this issue and preventing discussion is not right.
As the uproar continued, the Deputy Chairman adjourned the House for the day.
Earlier, when the Upper House reassembled after the third adjournment at 3 PM, Deputy Chairman Harivansh tried to take up the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for discussion. But opposition members started sloganeering and trooped into the well. He appealed to the protesting members to go back to their seats and allow the House to function. Amid din, he adjourned the House till 5.15 PM.
When the House met after the second adjournment at 2 PM, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai moved the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for discussion. It aims to further amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The proposed legislation seeks to give Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Deputy Chairman Harivansh tried to run the House, but the opposition carried on their sloganeering over the alleged police action on student protest. As the ruckus continued, the Deputy Chairman adjourned the House till 3:00 PM.
When the House reassembled after the first adjournment at 12 noon, the opposition again started protesting over the alleged police action on students. Due to the ruckus, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan adjourned the House till 2:00 PM.
When the House assembled to begin its proceedings at 11 AM, Union Ministers laid papers on the table. The report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemical and Fertiliser was tabled. Then, Chairman Radhakrishnan allowed the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, to raise his issue. He demanded discussion on alleged police action against students under rule 267. Amid the uproar by the opposition members, the House was adjourned till 12 noon.