Live: Parliament Monsoon Session Day 9: Lok Sabha set to evaluate SC Judges Bill, Rajya Sabha debates anti-paper leak legislation

Parliament has passed The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Upper House granting its approval to the legislation.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh explained the key elements included in The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. "From fraudulent online portals to fake admit cards, this measure addresses an extensive spectrum of malpractices," Mr. Singh stated. He added that the reach of this legislation goes beyond the NTA to encompass bodies such as the UPSC and the Railway Commission as well.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that between 2004 and 2014, government jobs sanctioned by the previous administration stood at 7.22 lakh, whereas 10.96 lakh recruitment appointments were completed from 2014 to 2024. Mr. Singh added that efforts have been made to foster a national mindset where livelihoods do not rely solely on public sector employment, which inspired the promotion of initiatives like Startup India.

State Minister Jitendra Singh presented the government's response in the Rajya Sabha on the Public Examinations Amendment Bill. Highlighting the government's stance, Mr. Singh stated that the Opposition has failed to verify its claim of 152 paper leak instances occurring since 2014. He further detailed the various measures implemented by the administration to eliminate paper leaks and revamp the nation's educational infrastructure.

A group of Opposition parties walked out of the Rajya Sabha while deliberations were underway on the Public Examinations Amendment Bill. Criticising their departure, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda asserted that the Opposition has missed the core focus of the debate and lacks regard for democratic norms and parliamentary protocols. Mr. Nadda expressed strong disapproval over the Opposition's decision to walk out precisely as Union Minister Jitendra Singh stood up to deliver his address.

BJP Parliamentarian Kavitha Patidar strongly denounced the attempt to play politics over paper leak incidents and student suicides. Ms. Patidar asked who tendered resignations during the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape incident, when question papers leaked in Punjab, or during Anna Hazare's anti-corruption crusade. She asserted that the Opposition is merely intent on playing political games rather than genuinely addressing the grievances of students.

PMK lawmaker Anbumani Ramadoss called upon the Union government to ban all NEET coaching facilities nationwide in order to eradicate systemic corruption. He remarked that the twin objectives of NEET—ensuring high-caliber medical professionals and offering affordable medical education to underprivileged students—have been completely compromised.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur submitted a formal notice alleging breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of uttering unparliamentary, insulting remarks and making serious, unproven charges against Home Minister Amit Shah. Within the three-page petition, Mr. Thakur urged Speaker Birla to hand over the issue to the Privileges Committee for an in-depth investigation and suitable measures, which should include requiring Mr. Gandhi to tender an unreserved apology to both the House and Mr. Shah. Citing the July 29 parliamentary debate on the paper leak legislation, Mr. Thakur contended that Mr. Gandhi breached Rule 352 while recounting an alleged dialogue with demonstrating students.

Opposition parliamentarians voiced strong objections and shouted slogans following statements made by BJP MP Raghav Chadha regarding paper leak issues. Mr. Chadha drew attention to instances of paper leaks in Punjab during the Aam Aadmi Party regime and detailed how cheating operations functioned in the state—noting that he himself was affiliated with that party until three months prior.

Speaking in favor of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, BJP MP Raghav Chadha stated that the grievances raised by students were legitimate and that the Prime Minister responded to them not merely as head of government but as a guardian. Whenever student welfare is concerned, the administration listens, executes necessary measures, and produces results, Mr. Chadha remarked. Outlining government initiatives, Mr. Chadha noted that examinations will be increasingly digitized to permanently eradicate paper leaks. He added that the proposed legislation introduces harsh penalties to dissuade offenders from committing exam fraud.

AITC Member of Parliament Rajeev Kumar stated in the Upper House that although The Public Examinations Amendment Bill escalates the severity of penalties, it will fail to stop examination leaks. According to Mr. Kumar, the harshness of a sentence does not act as a deterrent to criminal acts, whereas the certainty of receiving punishment actually does.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale criticized opposition parliamentarians for repeatedly blaming the administration on every issue. While opposition parties can keep targeting the government, we will persistently keep sending you away, remarked Mr. Athawale. Mr. Athawale referenced the administration accepting Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, along with Ministers Jitendra Singh and J.P. Nadda holding discussions with CJP. The country's youth continues to stand with the BJP, and Narendra Modi will return as Prime Minister in 2029, he added.

Kapil Sibal quoted several statements made by students who assembled at Jantar Mantar to demonstrate against the central government. Emphasizing that the NEET paper leak was merely the spark, Mr. Sibal noted that the core concern of students is not just leaked exams, but their future prospects. This legislation introduced by the government operates under the assumption that paper leaks will inevitably occur, Mr. Sibal stated.

INC MP Mukul Wasnik informed the Rajya Sabha that the ramifications of the recent student protests will affect the government for years to come. Stressing that the proposed legislation fails to resolve the root cause of the issue, Mr. Wasnik mentioned that fast-track courts are not a solution given the heavy backlog of pending legal matters. There have been 152 instances of paper leaks since 2014, yet not a single conviction has been secured, Mr. Wasnik pointed out.

Opposition lawmakers raised objections against BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi following his statements regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational background. Trivedi asserted that Opposition parliamentarians have never encountered genuine competition in examinations, academia, or within their internal party structures, yet they are lecturing the administration. “On the other hand, our political leaders and our Prime Minister have passed competitive tests and risen directly from the grassroot levels,” Trivedi remarked.

Expressing support for the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the political maneuvering surrounding the NEET paper leak controversy and student agitation. Trivedi emphasized that nationwide entrance tests are currently administered in 13 regional languages, in contrast to the era of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi when they were restricted solely to English. He further enumerated the measures undertaken by the administration to address the crisis, stating that Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh personally visited Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, accepted the demands of protesting candidates, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation, a fast-track judicial tribunal was constituted, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi established a special task force led by Nandan Nilekani.

Shiv Sena lawmaker Milind Deora praised the Centre for swiftly scrapping the compromised NEET examination, assigning the investigation to the CBI, and organizing fresh tests in a matter of days. Deora also voiced strong support for UIDAI chief Nandan Nilekani, who is heading the Task Force created to overhaul the NTA framework, and conveyed complete faith in the panel's capabilities.

Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmaker Sanjay Raut asked why the ruling administration was showing such apprehension towards student demonstrations. Raut pointed out that numerous sitting MPs launched their political journeys through student activism. “Why should we be fearful of them today?” Raut demanded to know. “What is the reason behind the Home Minister's absolute silence when students are being assaulted with batons, tear gas shells, and pellets?” Raut asked the government.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, JMM parliamentarian Mahua Majhi stated that although the Public Examinations Amendment Bill aims to impose harsher penalties on the paper leak syndicate, that by itself remains insufficient. She stressed that preventive measures, openness, and strict responsibility are far more crucial. Referencing nations such as Finland, Singapore, and South Korea that restructured their educational frameworks for conducting examinations, Majhi advocated for systemic educational overhauls and complete digitization to avert leaks.

Responding to CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju remarked, “When students stage demonstrations, is it preferable to introduce legislation and deliberate upon it in Parliament, or to enforce an emergency following agitations?” Rijiju was making a reference to the Internal Emergency proclaimed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the year 1975. “Every one of us endured that Emergency and resisted it. However, the present administration has brought about an undeclared emergency,” Brittas countered.

CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas urged the administration not to focus merely on visible symptoms of paper leak incidents, but to address their fundamental origin. According to Brittas, establishing fast-track courts or setting up investigation committees will fail to resolve the paper leak crisis because the core system itself is defective. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Brittas emphasized that teargas shells cannot wipe away the tears of protesting youths, nor can pellet guns shatter their unwavering resolve.

RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha stated that the nation has failed to progress from merely preventing paper leaks to completely eradicating them. Speaking to the ruling side, Jha remarked that today's youth do not expect ministers to post social media clips or imitate their slang, but rather to genuinely comprehend their grievances. Jha warned that while a single minister stepped down this time, the entire government might be ousted next time.

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha urged Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to scrap the National Testing Agency altogether. Jha stressed that the paper leak issue must be eradicated directly at its origin. He cited a dialogue with Minister of State for Education Jayant Choudhary regarding individuals taking re-examinations for GATE at 53-54 years of age, contrasting this with Vice-Chancellors who assume leadership of universities without passing any competitive exams.

AAP Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh highlighted the controversial role of EduTest, a firm responsible for organizing tests in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar despite being blacklisted across all three regions. Singh claimed that the company systematically secured examination contracts only because of preferential treatment and bias from the administration.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh began his speech by honoring the 1.23 lakh students who committed suicide over the last decade. Singh pointed out the massive backlog of pending cases in fast-track courts along with poor infrastructure in educational institutions and schools, remarking that illiterate populations lead to blind followers. He strongly criticized the aggressive use of force against student demonstrations in Delhi and Bihar. Accusing the authorities of operating like terrorists, Singh claimed that police even opened fire with AK-47 rifles on protesting students in Bihar.

Participating in the debate over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, NCP MP Praful Patel acknowledged that recent occurrences have distressed everyone. Patel stressed that the matter directly impacts the country's youth and should be debated beyond party lines without political motives. While defending the constitutional right to peaceful agitation, Patel expressed concern over the tone used in demonstrations and advocated for proper mentoring of young people. He argued that the introduced legislation demonstrates the administration's determination to drive progress rather than any sign of vulnerability.

Speaking during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav questioned the efficacy of merely imposing harsher penalties for offenses. Simply stiffening punishments will not deter crimes from taking place, Yadav remarked. He advocated for the complete cancellation of NEET, suggesting that state governments should instead be granted full authority to conduct medical entrance tests.

CPI(M) MP A.A. Rahim objected to remarks made by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha regarding a Malayalam channel. Jha had claimed that a Malayalam channel showed a Dubai-based businessman paying 23 individuals to participate in recent student protests in India. The chair assured Rahim that the allegations made by Jha would be examined.

Speaking during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, Bihar JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha outlined the Union government's achievements in medical education. He alleged that a Malayalam news channel showed a Dubai businessman paying 23 people to travel to India and join recent student protests. Jha's statements drew strong objections from Congress MPs. Jha stated that while the issues raised by students were legitimate, it raises doubts about the background of individuals who joined the demonstrations.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva remarked that surprisingly, while the government did not yield to year-long farmer strikes, Manipur residents, or anti-CAA protesters, students forced the administration to bow within a month. He emphasized that this demonstrates student power, warning against underestimating them or using armed force, batons, and tear gas, stating that is not the appropriate approach. Siva added that while the Prime Minister communicates on social media, he refrains from attending the House when Bills are discussed.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva questioned how BJP MP Brij Lal misled the House by claiming no pellet guns were used during protests, noting that the Supreme Court just yesterday ordered treatment for those injured by pellet guns. He pointed out that one of the two key promises made to students—withdrawing legal cases—remains unfulfilled. Siva labeled the anti-cheating bill ineffective as it fails to reduce student mental strain, asserting that government rigidity cost 124 students their lives. Citing NEET, he stated a single education system cannot assess students in a diverse nation like India, reiterating DMK's policy to abolish NEET.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, DMK parliamentarian Tiruchi Siva stated that the proposed law against paper leaks serves no practical purpose. "This legislation is not going to reform the educational setup across the nation," Mr. Siva remarked.

The legislation cleared the Lower House following a brief discussion in which DMK member Kanimozhi and BJP leader Sambit Patra spoke briefly. Take a look at the National Honour (Amendment) Bill 2026, which focuses on safeguarding Vande Mataram and examines its impact on national pride.

DMK parliamentarian Kanimozhi asserted that the National Honour (Amendment) Bill lacks secular values. "By introducing this legislation, you are insulting Tamil citizens," she declared, adding that the proposal creates divisions among people throughout the nation and confirming that DMK stands against it.

Delivered in his speech in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Kharge appealed to the Central government to recruit teachers for all empty posts. He further stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah must take personal responsibility regarding the violent incidents that took place in Delhi.

Addressing the Upper House, Mr. Kharge pointed out that nearly 1 million teaching positions lie vacant across the nation. Mr. Kharge questioned the current condition of the country's educational framework. "Members linked to the RSS have been appointed as vice-chancellors in numerous academic institutes across India," Mr. Kharge claimed.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the ruling dispensation merely engages in damage control and PR tactics rather than stopping such mishaps before they occur. Mr. Kharge highlighted that conducting re-examinations places a financial strain on underprivileged households. He alleged that repeated travel requirements prevented numerous candidates from appearing in the re-tests, directly penalising financially weak students.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge raised serious concerns regarding repeated examination paper leaks, questioning how these breaches persist even though federal investigative bodies are under central oversight and the BJP leads "double-engine" administrations in multiple states. He asserted that granting genuine autonomy to key agencies such as the CBI, NTA, and ED might have averted the prevailing crisis.

Mallikarjun Kharge accused the ruling administration of sanctioning force against demonstrations carried out by students. Noting that security forces such as the Delhi Police and CRPF report directly to the Union Home Minister, Mr. Kharge alleged that such actions could not possibly have taken place without explicit clearance from the Home Ministry.

Addressing the Upper House, Mallikarjun Kharge insisted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah issue an official statement addressing the reported police violence in Delhi. Asserting that the Home Minister must take responsibility, Mr. Kharge remarked that sitting inside an office without answering to anyone would not work, as the opposition intends to pull him out to face questions.

Expressing his views in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Mr. Kharge stated that the nation was subjected to paper leaks, public demonstrations, and excessive police force entirely due to the BJP's political strategies. He emphasized that if the ruling party had refrained from participating in narrow politics, all these tragic developments could have been avoided. Mr. Kharge further held the administration accountable for every injury sustained by the demonstrators.

In the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the timing of the anti-paper leak legislation, asking why it was not introduced earlier. He stated that the central government prioritized political gain rather than taking concrete measures to safeguard students' academic futures. Mr. Kharge further alleged that the legislation was pushed through merely to quell ongoing demonstrations in Delhi, rather than out of a genuine effort to enact systemic educational reforms.

The introduced amendments stipulate that probes regarding examination paper leaks must be finished within a two-month timeframe, while granting state governments and Union Territories authority to appoint Sessions Courts as specialized fast-track courts for daily hearings, ensuring trials wrap up within three months from chargesheet submission. Furthermore, the legislation stiffens punishments for violators. Persons convicted of leaking question papers or employing unfair methods in public exams risk between five and 10 years in prison alongside fines reaching ₹50 lakh. Syndicates involved in organized examination fraud will face sentences starting at a minimum of seven years, with penalties extending up to ₹10 crore. The central authority is also given the power to set up dedicated task forces for probe purposes as required.

Speaking on the legislation, Dr. Singh stated that the newly introduced modifications demonstrate the administration's resolve to learn from past experiences following the rollout of the 2024 anti-paper leak legal framework. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, he shared that a total of 52 FIRs have been filed since the initial law took effect, adding that suicide rates connected to paper leak events have witnessed a downward trend.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh took the floor in the Rajya Sabha to speak on the anti-paper leak legislation. The measure had already received approval in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday through a voice vote. Chaos broke out in the Upper House as Dr. Singh began recounting previous instances of paper leaks across the country.

Owing to persistent disruptions and slogans raised by opposition members, the Lower House was adjourned to reconvene at 3 p.m.

Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje stated that the government has extended paid maternity leave for female workers to 26 weeks and introduced formal provisions allowing work-from-home options. She further highlighted that the Labour Codes bar gender-based discrimination, ensure equal pay for equal work, and set up a grievance redressal system for women employees. Additionally, she stressed that the new legal provisions protect women's right to pursue employment across any industry.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour, Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the government has given formal recognition to gig workers within the Labour Codes. In response to a query regarding why India did not adopt the social security frame specified by the International Labour Organization, he clarified that gig employees can register via the e-Shram portal and that a flexible, dedicated social security model has been created for them in the national legislation.

Assam UPP(L) parliamentarian Pramod Boro expressed condolences for those affected by floods in his state during parliamentary proceedings. Addressing issues regarding the Bodo Accord's execution and northeastern stability, he stated that the region anticipates establishing permanent peace.

Highlighting the severe flood situation in Assam, MP Jogen Mohan emphasized that durable flood management strategies must be implemented to reduce waterlogging and damage across the state.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, lawmaker Surendra Singh Nagar stressed the necessity of introducing a unified 'One Nation One Digital Metro Card' system.

Rajya Sabha Leader of the House J.P. Nadda criticized opposition members for disturbing parliamentary proceedings throughout Zero Hour. He asserted that the opposition lacks genuine topics and reaffirmed the administration's willingness to debate any subject.

Opposition MPs began shouting slogans in the Upper House, insisting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah address the reported police violence against students.

Shortly after assembling on Thursday (July 30, 2026), the Lower House was suspended until 2 p.m. due to continuous opposition protests.

As proceedings commenced in the Lower House, the Lok Sabha Speaker extended accolades to the athletes victorious at the Commonwealth Games.

Opposition parliamentarians staged a protest on the Parliament premises, voicing outrage against law enforcement's conduct during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. - PTI

Congress lawmaker Manish Tewari on Thursday (July 30) moved an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha, calling for a debate on the framework of a fresh Anti-Defection Law. His proposal aims to prohibit opportunistic, large-scale political defections that lack ideological or policy basis, while safeguarding the freedom of elected members to express honest and constructive dissent within and beyond legislative bodies.

As per the parliamentary List of Business, two separate reports by the Standing Committee on External Affairs will be presented in the Lower House. These documents encompass an analysis of India's footprint and engagement in the Arctic and Antarctic territories, along with an action-taken report regarding official steps on earlier recommendations concerning India-Bangladesh ties.

Congress Rajya Sabha member Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a Rule 267 notice on Thursday (July 20, 2026), demanding the adjournment of scheduled House proceedings to examine allegations of financial wrongdoing, misappropriation, and plunder of funds associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. In his communication to the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General, Mr. Surjewala requested the Presiding Officer to pause all planned parliamentary tasks for a pressing debate aimed at holding the administration accountable. The notice emphasized that millions of worshippers worldwide gave thousands of crores in donations—whether individual, collective, or anonymous—out of profound devotion. "This is because the matter of theft of donations, looting of offerings, and embezzlement in the Shri Ram Temple is not only a dacoity on the faith of millions of devotees, but it is also a direct case of loot, embezzlement, and corruption committed by the members and associated employees of the Shri Ram Temple Trust constituted under the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court," the notice stated. ANI

On Thursday (July 30, 2026), Congress parliamentarian Manish Tewari submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha, pressing for a comprehensive discussion on revising anti-defection mechanisms. Within his submission, Mr. Tewari advocated for statutory reforms capable of curbing opportunistic, mass political defections that lack authentic policy or ideological backing. The Congress representative highlighted the imperative of balancing anti-defection measures with safeguards for principled and constructive dissent by public representatives both within legislative assemblies and outside. He appealed to the Lower House to initiate a thorough debate on strengthening legislative oversight and refining current anti-defection provisions. ANI

Alignment is growing among INDIA bloc allies to actively press the topic of alleged financial misuse in Ayodhya Ram Temple funds inside Parliament. Taking the lead, the Samajwadi Party (SP) held a demonstration in the Parliament House premises on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) after consistently flagging the matter in joint Opposition discussions. Top Opposition figures confirmed that the strategy involves introducing the debate in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (July 30, 2026), while taking it up in the Rajya Sabha once the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, completes its passage. The coalition intends to force a formal debate regarding the alleged corruption in temple donations. The INDIA bloc is preparing to mount pressure over the Ayodhya donation controversy, with the Samajwadi Party at the forefront of the movement.