Live: Parliament Monsoon Session Day 13: Lok Sabha to take up legislative business including Taxation Bills

Following its consideration, the Rajya Sabha has transmitted The Supreme Court (Number Of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 back to the Lok Sabha.

Outlining the ongoing discussions regarding the creation of regional Supreme Court benches, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal cited Article 130 of the Indian Constitution, which permits the Chief Justice of India, with Presidential approval, to convene sittings in Delhi or other locations. He also made reference to various writ petitions examined in recent years, emphasizing that the government upholds judicial independence. He reiterated that the consultative process is currently underway.

Criticising lawmakers who ignore positive developments, Law Minister Arjun Meghwal stated that India will soon see a female judge serve as the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill replaces an executive ordinance issued earlier this year, which expanded the sanctioned judicial strength of the apex court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice. Following that ordinance, another female SC judge was appointed, Meghwal highlighted. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration remain deeply committed to the Nari Shakti Abhiyan initiative.

Replying to the discussion, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal underlined the necessity for structural changes in the apex judiciary. He cited the Sabarimala matter, currently before a nine-judge bench, which leaves fewer judges free for other cases. The administration maintains that this expansion will allow the Supreme Court to conduct more simultaneous bench hearings, thereby improving case disposal efficiency. One key rationale for adding judges is that it will assist the Chief Justice of India in setting up Constitution Benches regularly. Comprising at least five judges, Constitution Benches hear significant questions concerning constitutional interpretation, which has often been difficult due to the heavy daily court roster.

Speaking during the debate on the SC Judges' Bill in the upper house, several members across party lines supported the measure while stressing that judge numbers must also be augmented in state high courts and trial courts. Furthermore, multiple MPs raised concerns over judicial backlogs, calling for structural reforms that guarantee speedy justice for citizens across the nation.

Amid continuous opposition shouting, a bill aimed at admitting digital and virtual records as evidence in court was cleared in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 5, 2026), shortly before the house adjourned for the day. The lower house approved the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 amid ongoing opposition demonstrations and remarks from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla asserted that the Rajya Sabha Chair has begun dictating what lawmakers are permitted to say. "Everyone was participating in the discussion on the Supreme Court Amendment Bill, 2026 today. Now a situation has arisen where the Chair dictates what you can and cannot speak. Never in parliamentary history has a speaker been told during a address, 'No, you must only speak what we desire; you cannot discuss anything else.' The Opposition has been rendered voiceless... this is the pinnacle of authoritarianism," he stated.

Addressing speculations about a potential special parliamentary session regarding the Delimitation bill, Congress lawmaker K.C. Venugopal stated that the party has no information about such plans and questioned the objective behind calling a special session. He revealed that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held a meeting with them during the day to consult on delimitation and gauge the Opposition's viewpoint. Venugopal emphasized that the Opposition's stance on delimitation remains completely clear and unaltered from previous parliamentary sessions, accusing the Parliamentary Affairs Minister of attempting to sow confusion among the public.

Participating in the debate over the SC Judges' Bill, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Majhi questioned whether merely raising the strength of judges would ensure genuine justice for citizens. She argued that the judicial framework in India requires a comprehensive restructuring and highlighted that outcomes heavily depend on the individuals administering the mechanism. She further drew attention to the struggles of countless litigants who remain deprived of timely justice because of massive case backlogs and poor access to local district courts, leaving the Supreme Court far beyond their reach.

Supporting the SC Judges' Bill in the upper house, BRS Rajya Sabha member Ravichandra Vaddiraju appealed to the Union government to set up a dedicated Supreme Court bench for Southern India to make judicial access easier for the public. He noted that Hyderabad serves as the most ideal site for establishing this bench, which would spare litigants from South India the financial burden and logistical trouble of travelling all the way to New Delhi for every Supreme Court matter.

Discussions surrounding the SC Judges' Bill proceeded in the Rajya Sabha despite a walkout staged by several Opposition lawmakers. AAP MP Sanjay Singh voiced support for the bill, drawing appreciation from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju during a light moment in the House. Minister Rijiju also addressed a query raised by Singh regarding representation from SC/ST communities in the apex court, clarifying that the Union government has no involvement in the collegium process responsible for Supreme Court judicial appointments.

Following the passage of the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, the lower house was adjourned for the remainder of the day. Lok Sabha will reconvene on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. Approved via voice vote without debate, the legislation aims to modernize legal provisions concerning evidence from bank records, bringing them into alignment with present-day digital banking operations and related affairs.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly criticized opposition groups protesting over alleged irregularities in Ram Temple donations. He asserted that Congress, CPI, and SP have historically opposed Lord Ram, adding that their mock play on "chanda chori" inside Parliament premises damaged public sentiments. He stated that these political parties must extend an apology to the nation. Furthermore, Rijiju alleged that the Opposition is intentionally obstructing parliamentary proceedings. While describing K.C. Venugopal as a good person, the minister noted that Venugopal has failed to convince his party colleagues to maintain decorum. Reiterating the government's willingness to debate, Rijiju urged opposition members not to enforce their agenda.

Expressing strong disapproval of opposition lawmakers entering the Well of the House, presiding Chairperson Jagdambika Pal questioned their decision to disrupt parliamentary proceedings, asking why they were staging protests in the wrong arena. Pointing to the ongoing youth demonstrations in Jharkhand, he singled out specific opposition MPs and advised them to head to Ranchi to raise their voice against alleged examination irregularities. In Ranchi, candidate groups have been protesting for five consecutive days, demanding a CBI investigation into claims of irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations.

The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill through a voice vote despite persistent disruptions by opposition members. Introduced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the legislation was approved without any parliamentary debate.

Ignoring continuous appeals for maintaining order inside the chamber, the Upper House began deliberation on the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, with an aim to pass it. The legislation had earlier cleared the Lower House via a voice vote on August 3. This measure modifies the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, raising the count of ordinary judges from 33 to 37. Including the CJI, the top court's total official capacity will expand from 34 to 38.

Presided over by: Harivansh Singh The Upper Chamber is scheduled to consider the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. This legislation supersedes a previous executive ordinance that augmented the total strength of the apex court from 34 to 38 judges, inclusive of the CJI. This step by Parliament to expand the judicial panel aims to tackle pending cases and boost overall operational efficiency in the judiciary, representing the initial expansion of bench size since 2019.

Presiding Officer: Jagdambika Pal

In a Hindi social media post, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi stated that the nation's Home Minister is concealing his face on account of injustice committed against students. His remarks followed a demonstration march inside the Parliament complex alongside numerous fellow Opposition lawmakers. WhatsApp Image 2026-08-05 at 11.03.21.jpeg Credit: Special arrangement

BJP lawmaker Jagdambika Pal raised questions over the Opposition's inaction regarding ongoing agitation in Jharkhand regarding alleged examination malpractice, alleging that they are purposely destabilizing parliamentary business. "What prompts the opposition's protests? In Ranchi, candidates have been demonstrating against the JPSC paper leak for 13 straight days, yet their Chief Minister has not held a single dialogue with them; Rahul Gandhi together with the whole opposition stays quiet on that issue. On the other hand, here the Prime Minister alongside two cabinet ministers responded to the students' concerns, agreeing to their requests...," he remarked.

During the Question Hour session in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed concern over traffic casualties, stating, “It is deeply distressing that almost 1.80 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents throughout the country each year.”

Independent parliamentarian Pappu Yadav heavily criticized BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on Wednesday (August 5, 2026), alleging that her main agenda seems to be lodging court cases targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Addressing media personnel, Mr. Yadav remarked, “Talking about Sushma Swaraj’s daughter (Bansuri Swaraj), it seems her sole life purpose is registering cases against Rahul Gandhi. She visits the police station at her whim without comprehending legal provisions.” The MP representing Purnia advised Ms. Swaraj to respect parliamentary procedures prior to taking such steps, stating, “She must first obtain the Speaker's permission inside the House.”

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal stated that Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held talks with Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi carrying “the government's and Prime Minister’s specific agenda.” “Parliament functions primarily for constructive debates. However, the ruling dispensation wants to avoid discussions and bulldoze legislative business by pushing through bills, which is unacceptable to us,” Mr. Venugopal observed. He added, “The responsibility to break the deadlock lies with the government. We are pressing crucial matters—students were brutally beaten by Delhi Police, and AK-47 rifles were used in Bihar. The Home Minister must provide an explanation instead of avoiding it. Similar opacity surrounds the Ram Mandir funds. Self-proclaimed devotees are misusing Lord Ram's funds without any transparent investigation or accountability.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi organized a breakfast session for 37 BJP MPs at his official residence on Wednesday (August 5, 2026), continuing his series of informal parliamentary meetings during the ongoing Monsoon Session. Reports indicate that the Prime Minister engaged in casual conversations and narrated personal anecdotes during the interaction. Attendees comprised lawmakers linked with the NCPI coalition, former AAP representatives who switched to the BJP, along with prominent leaders Tarun Chugh, Vinod Tawde, and BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Such morning gatherings form part of PM Modi's routine outreach to connect and exchange ideas with groups of lawmakers while Parliament is in session.

On Wednesday (August 5, 2026), the BJP launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, terming him an “immature, part-time” Opposition Leader who stalls parliamentary proceedings because he fears a comparison between Narendra Modi's tenure and the former UPA regime. The ruling party additionally slammed the Congress leader for leveling “unfounded” accusations targeting the RSS and the BJP. This criticism follows Mr. Gandhi's statement on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) asserting that youth in the nation are suffering immensely and require an apology rather than forgiveness from PM Narendra Modi regarding police actions.

Responding to DMK MP P. Wilson regarding toll collection, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari explained the government's transition towards FASTag and UPI digital payment mechanisms, highlighting plans to phase out physical toll booths for seamless transit. “To enjoy superior services, one must pay for them. Free services cannot be extended for everything,” Mr. Gadkari asserted. According to National Highways Fee Rules, cash-paying motorists lacking a functioning FASTag face a 100% penalty (double standard fee), whereas drivers using UPI pay 1.25 times the standard user charge. Subsequently, Rajya Sabha Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan urged the Minister to consider issuing toll-free highway travel passes for former parliamentarians, akin to railway privileges.

Highlighting road safety concerns, MP Sudha Murthy noted, “Although highway infrastructure has improved tremendously, accident rates have escalated. This stems from faulty driving habits rather than road quality.” She inquired about reforming driving license issuance procedures to curb fatalities. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari replied amidst background slogans from Opposition MPs, remarking, “Human behavior remains the primary factor in accidents.” He added that the administration is enhancing driver training programs to address this issue.

Upon the resumption of Rajya Sabha sitting, Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan laid down two explicit directives in his opening remarks. He informed Upper House parliamentarians that stepping into the Well of the House is strictly prohibited, alongside banning the display of protest banners or placards during sessions. Following these observations, Question Hour commenced.

Rajya Sabha MP representing CPI, P. Sandosh Kumar, stated that the protesting Opposition bloc in Parliament is pressing forward with three key demands.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held talks with Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi inside Parliament to resolve the ongoing parliamentary stalemate. The deliberation lasted nearly 50 minutes. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attended the discussion held at the LoP office chamber within the complex. Meanwhile, Opposition members continued their demonstrations seeking Home Minister Amit Shah's statement regarding police action against demonstrators and investigations into Ram Temple donation funds.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 12:00 PM as Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan asked MPs to stick to order and topic while speaking. The adjournment occurred amidst loud protests by Opposition members calling for responses from Home Minister Amit Shah. “A point of order carries no meaning when there is no order in the House itself,” remarking which Mr. Radhakrishnan suspended the proceedings.

Referring to the Opposition demonstration at Prerna Sthal, Congress MP Pawan Khera stated: “We are marching toward Vijay Chowk. Our demands remain identical to those raised on the floor of the House. Where have the Prime Minister and Home Minister disappeared?”

As Zero Hour commenced in the Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs persisted with their slogans. Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan cautioned them for disobeying parliamentary rules, emphasizing that speaking slots would be provided only after decorum was restored. Despite the continuous uproar, proceedings moved forward with members raising issues with the Chair's permission.

Facing chaotic scenes, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla assured MPs that adequate opportunity would be given to raise legitimate queries. “Democratic debate is welcomed. Submit queries during Question Hour for ministers to respond. Is it appropriate to carry posters and chant slogans to lower the dignity of Parliament?” Mr. Birla reproved Opposition MPs while seeking order. Subsequently, the House adjourned to reassemble at 2:00 PM.

The Upper House of Parliament commenced its sitting with Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan presiding over the House.

Lok Sabha started its morning session with Speaker Om Birla taking the Chair. Mr. Birla appealed to parliamentarians to facilitate smooth proceedings, stating that demonstrations inside the chamber or on Parliament premises send a wrong message.

On Wednesday (August 5, 2026), AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted a Rule 267 notice in Rajya Sabha, urging an immediate debate regarding public grievances over compulsory E20 ethanol-blended petrol sales. “By pushing the ethanol blending timeline forward to 2025 from 2030, the government made E20 petrol mandatory across pumps without public consent or providing suitable alternatives for non-compliant engines,” Mr. Singh noted. He further referenced Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari's parliamentary admission that E20 fuel drops efficiency by 2% to 6% depending on vehicle condition. “This officially proves motorists incur higher expenses for equal travel. Vehicle owners report engine strain, increased maintenance costs, and lower mileage nationwide,” he stressed.

Key Opposition parliamentarians, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, organized a protest rally from the Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar. The demonstration targeted Home Minister Amit Shah over heavy-handed police action against student demonstrators during the July 20 protest, along with allegations regarding Ayodhya Ram Temple donation irregularities.

Amid continuous Opposition slogans demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's apology for police action on students, the Rajya Sabha passed The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Tuesday (August 4, 2026). The Lok Sabha had previously approved the legislation on Friday (July 31, 2026) without extended debate. The amendment modifies sub-section (3) of Section 13 of the parent Act to enforce stricter requirements for delayed registrations. The bill received parliamentary clearance despite loud Opposition demonstrations.

Congress lawmaker Manickam Tagore B filed an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha demanding an urgent debate and a official statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the July 20 police action at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. In his notice, Mr. Tagore pointed out that reports from the site raised alarming questions regarding the disproportionate force deployed against student demonstrators. “Allegations indicate that tear gas, water cannons, lathi charges, and pellet guns were deployed against protesting students, including females, causing severe injuries. Such actions warrant an exhaustive, impartial, and transparent probe,” the notice stated.

Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, asking to suspend the day's agenda to debate the requirement for a new anti-defection law aimed at curbing widespread political defections. In the notice, Mr. Tewari sought permission to move the motion to deliberate on a matter he defined as being of "definite urgent public importance."