After a week of repeated disruptions over the NEET paper leak controversy, Parliament is set for what could be its first substantive legislative debate of the Monsoon Session on Tuesday, with the Lok Sabha scheduled to take up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Parliamentary sources said Speaker Om Birla’s behind-the-scenes outreach to leaders across party lines has helped break the deadlock, with floor leaders agreeing to begin discussions on the Bill.
The development comes after Monday’s failed attempt to debate the legislation, when Opposition members continued their protest demanding a government statement on the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led ‘Chalo Sansad’ march and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
SPEAKER STEPS IN TO END IMPASSE
According to parliamentary sources, Birla held sustained consultations with leaders of various parties after the House witnessed repeated adjournments.
“All political parties have agreed to discuss the anti-paper leak Bill on Tuesday. Following Om Birla’s initiative and sustained dialogue, floor leaders have agreed to commence discussion on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026,” a parliamentary source said.
On Monday, Birla had suspended proceedings until 5 pm and gave both the government and Opposition a three-hour window to resolve differences. He also reminded members that six hours had been earmarked for the debate, with additional time available if required.
“The House has been elected to discuss Bills, not raise slogans,” the Speaker told members.
WHY THE BILL MATTERS
The proposed legislation was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday by Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh, days after the nationwide NEET paper leak protests culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Bill seeks to strengthen the anti-paper leak law enacted in 2024 by significantly enhancing penalties for organised examination fraud.
Among its key provisions are:
- Jail term of up to 10 years for those involved in organised paper leaks.
- Fine of up to Rs 10 crore for organised malpractice.
- Tougher provisions aimed at protecting the integrity of public examinations.
The government has described the legislation as its strongest response yet to the NEET controversy, which triggered nationwide protests and renewed questions over the credibility of competitive examinations.
OPPOSITION’S DEMAND
Despite supporting stronger anti-paper leak measures in principle, the Opposition has refused to allow legislative business until the government responds to allegations of excessive police force against students protesting in Delhi and several other cities.
Since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, both Houses have witnessed repeated adjournments as Opposition members demanded a statement from the government on the police action during the July 20 protests.
In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition has specifically sought a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah before allowing normal business to resume. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated on Monday that the Opposition was not opposed to discussing the Bill but wanted the Home Minister to first address the House.
The government, meanwhile, has accused the Opposition of preventing Parliament from discussing legislation directly linked to the concerns raised by protesting students.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju repeatedly appealed to Opposition members in both Houses to participate in the debate, arguing that the proposed law concerns the future of millions of students. He said several MPs, including members of Opposition parties, were prepared to speak on the Bill but were being prevented from doing so because of continued disruptions.
“The youth of the country are watching. Everyone wants to hear the discussion on this Bill,” Rijiju said in the Rajya Sabha.
FIRST MAJOR LEGISLATIVE TEST AFTER PRADHAN’S RESIGNATION
Tuesday’s debate will also carry significant political weight as it will be the first major discussion on education reforms after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Education Minister following the NEET crisis.
The debate is expected to give both the government and Opposition an opportunity to present competing narratives, while the Centre is likely to project the Bill as proof of its commitment to restoring the credibility of public examinations, Opposition parties are expected to argue that stronger laws alone cannot address systemic failures without accountability for the NEET paper leak and the police action against protesting students.
– Ends
Published By:
Zafar Zaidi
Published On:
Jul 28, 2026 00:45 IST
