New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Parliament is expected to witness a stormy session on Monday as Opposition parties gear up to confront the Centre over the alleged use of excessive force against students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The issue is likely to dominate discussions alongside the government’s proposed legislation aimed at tackling examination malpractices.
The Opposition has accused security agencies of using disproportionate force during demonstrations held on July 20, with allegations that pellet guns and other crowd-control measures were used against students demanding accountability over the examination controversy.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has sought an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning whether the use of such force had received official approval. The Congress has maintained that students exercising their democratic right to protest should not have faced such action.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has also moved to raise the matter in the Rajya Sabha. Party MP Sagarika Ghosh has submitted a notice seeking a discussion on the alleged use of force by police and paramilitary personnel against student protesters. She argued that peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution and called for an immediate debate on the issue.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the party’s demand for accountability, stating that while the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marked an important development, further action was necessary. He urged the government to address concerns over the handling of the protests and sought an apology to students who participated in the agitation.
The political confrontation comes as the Centre prepares to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen laws against paper leaks and examination fraud.
The proposed legislation prescribes stringent penalties for those found guilty of manipulating public examinations. Under the draft Bill, individuals involved in paper leaks could face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, along with fines of up to ₹50 lakh. In cases involving organised examination fraud, the proposed punishment includes a minimum prison sentence of seven years, with financial penalties that may extend to ₹10 crore.
Leaders of the INDIA bloc are expected to meet before Parliament convenes to finalise their floor strategy, including their stand on the proposed amendment. While the Opposition has consistently demanded stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of examinations, it is also expected to press the government on its response to the student protests.
With both the alleged police action and examination reforms on the agenda, the opening day of the parliamentary session is likely to witness intense exchanges between the ruling alliance and the Opposition, setting the tone for what promises to be a politically charged debate.
