New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Monday failed to take up discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, as persistent protests by Opposition members over alleged police action against student demonstrators brought proceedings to a halt.

The proposed legislation, which seeks to strengthen India's anti-paper leak law by prescribing up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore for those involved in examination malpractices, was introduced in the House but could not be debated due to repeated disruptions.

When the House reconvened at 5 pm, Opposition MPs continued raising slogans, preventing the scheduled debate from taking place. Presiding over the proceedings, the Chair urged members to discuss the Bill, stressing that it concerns the future of millions of students. However, the protests continued, forcing another adjournment for the day.

Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had appealed to both the government and the Opposition to resolve their differences and use the allocated time for legislative business. He noted that six hours had been earmarked for discussion on the Bill and said additional time could be considered if required. Birla also reminded members that Parliament exists to debate legislation rather than witness slogan-shouting.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said several MPs, including members from Opposition parties, were prepared to participate in the discussion. He accused the Congress and its allies of preventing the House from taking up a Bill that directly affects the interests of students across the country.

The disruption comes as the Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, has witnessed repeated protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. Legislative work has remained largely stalled, with only a few Bills being introduced so far.

On Monday's sitting, held two days after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister, Opposition parties demanded a statement from the government on the alleged use of force against students protesting at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere during demonstrations linked to the Cockroach Janta Party-led 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20.

The government has been attempting to build consensus with Opposition parties to break the impasse and resume normal functioning of Parliament.

Introduced by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill seeks to amend the anti-paper leak law enacted in 2024. The proposed changes aim to impose tougher punishments on individuals and organised networks involved in leaking examination papers and manipulating public examinations, following nationwide outrage over the NEET paper leak and demands for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.

With PTI inputs