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Opposition to stall Parliament over student protest issue

Opposition parties are set to disrupt proceedings in both Houses of Parliament on Monday as they intensify their demand for answers from Union home minister Amit Shah over the alleged use of pellet guns and police action against students during the recent protests.

Leaders from the Opposition have decided to press the issue before any regular business is taken up, insisting that the government first respond to allegations surrounding the handling of the demonstrations.

The Opposition is expected to seek a statement from Shah on the reported use of force against student protesters, arguing that the matter cannot be brushed aside without accountability.

According to Opposition leaders, discussions on legislative business should begin only after the home minister addresses Parliament on the police action and clarifies the circumstances under which pellet guns were allegedly used during the protests.

Agitation cannot justify police excesses: SC

The Supreme Court on Monday said the constitutional right to peaceful protest cannot be curtailed merely because demonstrations are taking place, while stressing that allegations of police excesses during protests require careful scrutiny.

Hearing a matter linked to the reported police action against student protesters, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed, “Right to peaceful protests is in the Constitution. Right to peaceful protest is absolutely guaranteed. That cannot be denied. Merely because there is agitation cannot justify police excess," reported ANI.

At the same time, the court said allegations of violence against police personnel were equally serious. Referring to claims that officers and their families had come under attack, Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked, “Injury to police is of equal concern. We may call upon the State to respond why adequate safeguards were not provided…”

The Bench also favoured a nationwide framework to regulate peaceful demonstrations. “There should be a protocol when someone wants to agitate peacefully. Proper space for that. There is no impediment in that regard. But if there is any anti-social element that can be dealt with,” the CJI said.

Calling for uniform standards across states, the court observed, “It’s a question of all India… this uniformity in protocol is also… Self-discipline is integral to the entire process.”

The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Tuesday.

BJP MP urges no action against student protesters

BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya on Monday said students should not face action over the recent protests, while insisting that those responsible for unlawful activities must be dealt with under the law.

Commenting on the proposed Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill, Siroya said, "See, there should definitely be no action against the students, but it was required against the anti-social elements who were there," reported the Hindustan Times.

He said the legislation was aimed at strengthening safeguards against examination-related irregularities and called for wider public cooperation in its implementation.

"Strict steps are being taken to ensure robust system... We need to be aware as well, it should be the responsibility of everyone..."

Siroya added that passing the law alone would not be enough unless it was enforced effectively. "Law will be made, but it should be implemented by all of us," he said.

Priyanka questions reports of fresh FIRs on students

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday questioned the need for an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah if police cases continued to be registered against student protesters.

Responding to the Congress' demand for an apology from the Centre, Priyanka said she had received reports that fresh FIRs were still being filed against students in some states.

"I have heard that FIRs are still being filed against students in Bihar and Bengal. I have heard this, but it is not yet verified."

She said such reports, if found to be true, would undermine the assurances given over the handling of cases linked to the student protests.

"So, what is the use then?" she asked.

Akhilesh says Opposition is united on Exam Reform Bill

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said Opposition parties were maintaining a common stand in Parliament and that leaders of the INDIA bloc would decide their next course of action at a meeting.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, "The opposition is united. Leaders of the INDIA alliance will hold a meeting, and the decision taken there will be conveyed to you."

Commenting on the proposed Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill and the state of higher education, he alleged that the BJP government had weakened the country's education system since coming to power.

Calling the issue larger than the legislation itself, Yadav said, "This is a major struggle concerning university education and examinations. Ever since the BJP came to power, it has ruined the education system. It has tried to place its own people in educational institutions, including those who are unqualified and unregistered."

Praising students for their role in recent protests, he added, "I once again congratulate the youth for their morale and awareness. This government cannot suppress their consciousness."

Rijiju urges all parties to debate Exam Reform Bill

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday appealed to all political parties to join the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying the proposed law would strengthen action against paper leaks and examination fraud.

Referring to the recent Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) agitation, Rijiju said, "This is a big day for all of us. Regarding the incidents of paper leaks in the country so far and the recent students' protest, PM Modi took major steps and made announcements. But today, a concrete Bill is being brought. It will be tabled in the Lok Sabha. So, we want all parties to take part in the discussion."

He urged the Opposition to participate in the proceedings instead of disrupting the House. "Such a strict law is being formed against exam paper leak. If you do not participate in the discussion and cause ruckus instead, it will not send out a good message," he said as quoted by ANI.

The Bill, to be introduced by Union minister Jitendra Singh, seeks changes to the 2024 law to tighten measures against examination malpractice. Its introduction comes after the 37-day CJP protest over alleged exam irregularities and ahead of a discussion expected to draw participation from members across party lines.

Gogoi doubts the impact of Exam Reform Bill

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday questioned whether the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act would be enough to curb examination-related corruption, alleging that those responsible continued to receive protection.

Raising doubts over the government's intent, Gogoi said, "Until the government wants to shield and protect those involved in this corruption, to what extent will this amendment actually be effective?"

Referring to a recent court ruling, he added, "Just recently, a court acquitted an individual because the investigation had not been conducted properly; that speaks volumes."

Gogoi also accused the Centre of lacking commitment to education reforms. "I do not believe the PM is serious about reforming the education system, because the RSS aims to take over India's entire educational framework—installing their own people as Vice-Chancellors and Principals and placing them within the education department."

He further said the government had failed to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform and added that "there has been no clarification from the government regarding the assault on students that took place on July 20th."

Brittas asks why Radhakrishnan Panel findings were ignored

CPI(M) MP John Brittas on Monday criticised the Centre's decision to appoint a new high-powered task force on examination reforms under Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, saying the government had failed to act on the recommendations of an earlier panel.

Welcoming Nilekani's appointment, Brittas said, "I'm glad that the PM appreciates Nandan Nilekani. In fact, the PM had laughed at him when he was put in charge of the Aadhaar project...," reported ANI.

He questioned why the findings of the K Radhakrishnan committee, constituted two years ago, had not been put into effect. "I really want to ask the government what has happened to the Radhakrishnan committee, which was appointed clearly two years before. That committee submitted a report with 184 pages. The government has been sitting on it..."

Brittas accused the Centre of avoiding the core concerns raised by students. "This is how they want to sidestep the issue and not address the real concern of the students. I feel that it's not the committees but a lack of willpower and a transparent system that is lacking in our country," he said.

Delhi Police act on posts targeting PM during CJP protest

Delhi Police has begun acting against social media posts that allegedly contained abusive and offensive remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) month-long protest.

Police have issued notices to multiple social media platforms, with many of the flagged posts, videos and comments already taken down. Officials are also said to be monitoring fresh content and sending new notices whenever similar material appears, asking platforms to remove it without delay.

The action follows the end of the agitation after former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. The protest was withdrawn after the Centre accepted two additional demands raised by CJP.

At a press conference, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said, "Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith, with the understanding that the agreed-upon terms will be executed within the agreed-upon timelines," reported NDTV.

Explaining the understanding on police cases, CJP leader Ranka said, "I'm pretty sure, I'm pretty sure we can differentiate between serious criminals and peaceful protesters. The CJP has been, since day one, advocating for an extremely peaceful protest, and that's exactly what we achieved in the last 37 days. The agreement... is around withdrawal of FIRs against all the protesters and organisers, and no future FIRs on CJP organisers and protesters."

CJP has not commented on reports of the police action against social media content.

Rahul arrives in Parliament for the Opposition leaders' meeting

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrived in Parliament on Monday to attend a meeting of Opposition leaders as the deadlock over key issues, including the police action on students, continued during the Monsoon Session.

The meeting took place as Opposition parties pressed for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action against students. They have also sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi before proceedings resume in the House.

The police action against students has emerged as one of the key issues behind the continued disruptions during the Monsoon Session.