Over NEET Issue; Both Houses Adjourned Till Monday

Both the Houses of Parliament have been adjourned for the day till Monday as ruckus continued for the 5th consecutive day today over the issues of NEET paper leak and Student protest.

    When the Rajya Sabha met after the second adjournment at 2:00 PM, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill aims to further amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Before the introduction of the bill, CPI (M) leader John Brittas and CPI leader Sandosh Kumar opposed the introduction of the Bill. After the introduction of the Bill, the opposition parties again started sloganeering over the NEET issue. As the pandemonium continued, the Deputy Chairman Harivansh adjourned the House for the day till Monday.

    Earlier, when the House met after the first adjournment at 12 noon, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan tried to take up Question Hour, but the opposition continued with their sloganeering demanding resignation of the Union Education Minister. As the ruckus continued, the Upper House was adjourned till 2:00 PM.

   When the Rajya Sabha began its proceedings at 11 AM, the House paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War. Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said that Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. He said the day honours the brave officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces who defended the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation with exemplary courage, valour, and unwavering devotion to duty. Mr Radhakrishnan said the House express its profound gratitude to all members of the Armed Forces whose indomitable courage, steadfast determination, and selfless dedication in the face of extraordinary challenges continue to inspire the nation.

The Upper House also observed silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the martyrs. After that, the Chairman tried to take up Zero Hour and allowed Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak. Mr Kharge raised the issue of NEET paper leak and student protest over the matter. As uproar continued from the opposition and treasury benches, the Chairman adjourned the House till 12 noon.

    The Lok Sabha was also adjourned for the day following opposition protest over NEET paper leak issue and student protest.

    When the House met after the first adjournment at 12 noon, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue from day one. He said that due to certain conditions being imposed by the Congress, the discussion has not been able to proceed. Mr Rijiju said, it is the collective sentiment of all the members that there should be a meaningful discussion on the issue. The Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the nation that a stringent law will be brought on this matter.

Mr Rijiju said, the prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had undertaken protests on the NEET issue, has also emphasised the need for a discussion. Mr Rijiju said, if the MPs avoid discussion and make excuses, it will not send a positive message to the country. The Minister said, today in the Cabinet meeting, decisions will be taken on strict measures and the introduction of a strong law to address this paper leak issue. Mr Rijiju requested Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to guide his party colleagues so that the House can function smoothly and a constructive discussion can take place.

    Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal said that the government is ready for discussion on the NEET issue and the opposition should cooperate in running the House. Amid the uproar, the House was adjourned to meet again on Monday.    

    Earlier, when the Lok Sabha assembled for the day at 11:00 AM, the House paid tributes to the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces who gave supreme sacrifice during the Kargil war. Speaker Om Birla said that 26th July this year marks the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He said, this day stands as a symbol of the indomitable courage, valour, and supreme sacrifice of the Jawans. Mr Birla said that during the Kargil War, the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces displayed unparalleled courage and unwavering resolve, overcoming treacherous mountainous terrain, harsh conditions, and extreme weather to defend the nation’s sovereignty. The Speaker said, the entire nation will forever remain indebted to these immortal martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the motherland.

    The House observed silence in the memory of the martyrs of the Kargil War.

    Later, when the Speaker tried to take up the Question Hour, the opposition members started sloganeering, demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Mr Birla urged opposition members to cooperate in running the House, but they did not pay heed to the advice of the Speaker, which led to adjournment of the House till 12 noon.(UPDATED ON 24TH JULY 2026)