Up to 10-year jail & Rs 10 crore fine: Cabinet clears tougher anti-paper leak bill
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TOI NEWS DESK
The first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament faced severe disruptions as opposition parties protested against the NEET paper leak and Ram temple donation theft. Simultaneously, tens of thousands of protesters clashed with police in Delhi, leading to significant unrest and the eventual suspension of legislative business.
Parliament Monsoon Session Paralyzed by Protests
The first day of the 2026 Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 20 under a cloud of intense political friction. Legislative proceedings were effectively halted as a unified opposition, including members from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress, stormed into the Well of the House. The primary catalysts for this disruption were the alleged NEET examination paper leak and reports of donation theft at the Ram Temple, issues that have sparked significant public outcry and political debate.
The NEET Controversy and Public Unrest
Parallel to the parliamentary deadlock, the streets of New Delhi witnessed massive civil unrest. Led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), tens of thousands of protesters—predominantly young students—converged on Lutyens’ Delhi. Their central demand was the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the NEET paper leak and broader irregularities in CBSE examinations. The scale of the demonstration, estimated at over 50,000 participants, overwhelmed local security, leading to widespread clashes across critical arteries such as Ashoka Road and Janpath.
Police Response and Security Dynamics
To contain the surging crowds attempting to reach Parliament, law enforcement agencies deployed significant anti-riot measures, including lathicharges, tear gas, and water cannons. The intensity of the confrontation underscores the high-stakes nature of the NEET issue, which has become a focal point for youth grievances against the current administration. The confinement of protesters to the Jantar Mantar area highlights the government's effort to maintain the sanctity of the parliamentary zone while managing significant public discontent.
Legislative Stagnation Amidst Crisis
Inside the Lok Sabha, the atmosphere was equally volatile. The House was adjourned six times before being suspended for the day at 3 p.m. Despite the chaos, a brief window of order allowed Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to introduce a significant piece of legislation: a Bill intended to replace an existing Ordinance that increases the strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges. This move represents a critical attempt to address judicial backlog, even as other legislative priorities remain stalled.
Fragmentation within the Opposition
While the opposition presented a largely united front regarding the NEET scam and the temple donation issue, nuances in their parliamentary strategy were evident. Notably, the DMK focused its efforts on the Mekedatu project issue, choosing to deviate from the Congress-led strategy. Additionally, internal tensions were visible as observers noted changed seating arrangements for rebel TMC MPs, signaling shifting alliances and ongoing internal party dynamics that could further complicate the legislative roadmap for the remainder of the session.
Future Implications and Trends
As the Monsoon Session continues, the government faces a dual challenge: addressing the mounting pressure from the opposition regarding accountability in education and temple governance, and managing the logistical disruption caused by the judicial bill's introduction. The ongoing protests indicate that the NEET issue is unlikely to dissipate, suggesting that the remainder of the session will likely be characterized by persistent friction between the treasury benches and the opposition, potentially delaying further legislative reforms.
Multiple Citing Sources