Proceedings in the Lok Sabha remained disrupted on Monday as the Opposition stalled the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, demanding an immediate debate on the alleged police action against students protesting the NEET paper leak issue in Bihar.

The amendment bill, aimed at further strengthening India's anti-paper leak law, was listed for discussion after being introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. However, when the House reconvened at 2 pm, Opposition members entered the Well of the House, raising slogans and insisting that Parliament first discuss the alleged assault on students during recent protests.

With repeated disruptions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to allow the House to function and participate in the scheduled debate. He said six hours had been allocated for discussion on the legislation and appealed to both the government and Opposition to arrive at a consensus before proceedings resumed later in the evening.

"I give you time until 5 pm. The government and Opposition members should come to a consensus," Birla said before adjourning the House.

The Lok Sabha witnessed multiple adjournments during the day, first at noon, then at 2 pm and later until 5 pm due to the continued uproar. Similar scenes were witnessed in the Rajya Sabha, where proceedings were also repeatedly adjourned.

Government Pushes Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law

The proposed amendment seeks to tighten the 2024 Public Examinations Act, which was enacted to curb examination malpractices.

Under the proposed changes, punishment for those involved in paper leaks and organised cheating rackets will be enhanced. The Bill also empowers states and Union Territories to establish special fast-track courts for day-to-day hearings of examination-related offences.

The legislation covers examinations conducted by central agencies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), National Testing Agency (NTA), Railway recruitment bodies and banking recruitment agencies.

The government decided to strengthen the law following the nationwide outrage over the NEET paper leak controversy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently announced that stricter legal provisions would be introduced and also constituted a high-powered task force on examination reforms under Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

Opposition Seeks Discussion on Student Protest

The Opposition maintained that Parliament should first discuss the alleged police action against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that protesting students in Bihar faced excessive force and claimed hundreds had been detained. He demanded accountability for those responsible.

RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has also approached the Supreme Court seeking registration of an FIR against officials over the alleged police action during the protests.

Congress MP Manish Tewari criticised the reported use of force, calling it "inhuman," and argued that the proposed amendment alone would not address deeper issues affecting the country's examination system.

BJP Accuses Opposition of Blocking Debate

The ruling BJP accused Opposition parties of preventing Parliament from discussing legislation meant to protect students.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to Congress leaders to allow the debate, saying the Bill directly concerns the future of India's youth. He questioned why parties demanding discussion since the beginning of the session were now disrupting the House.

BJP MPs Tarun Chugh, Vivek Thakur, and Kangana Ranaut also criticised the Opposition, accusing it of politicising an important education reform measure.

Dharmendra Pradhan Returns to Parliament

The day also marked the first appearance of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Parliament after his resignation over the NEET paper leak controversy. NDA MPs welcomed him with a traditional Mithila pag and shawl before accompanying him into Parliament.

Meanwhile, the NDA Parliamentary Party is scheduled to meet on Tuesday morning, where the government's legislative strategy and the ongoing confrontation over the anti-paper leak Bill are expected to be discussed.