Rahul Gandhi Seeks Answers on Use of Lethal Force
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding to know whether he authorised the use of what he termed 'lethal force' against students protesting the NEET paper leak on July 20. The brutal crackdown, which allegedly involved pellet guns fired by police and paramilitary personnel, is set to trigger a major stand-off between the Opposition and the government in Parliament on Monday.
TMC Demands Debate on Excessive Force
The Trinamool Congress has raised the issue of police and paramilitary personnel using 'excessive force' against student protesters. TMC’s Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, Sagarika Ghosh, submitted a notice under Rule 267 to discuss the matter. She argued that the right to peaceful protest is a constitutional right and that students participating in peaceful demonstrations against irregularities in examination papers were 'targeted with lethal and semi-lethal force' by security agencies. Ghosh has also sought suspension of the day’s business for an immediate discussion.
Opposition Strategy to Be Finalized at INDIA Bloc Meeting
When asked whether the Opposition would disrupt Parliament proceedings, the LoP stated that the strategy would be decided at the meeting of Opposition leaders scheduled for Monday. The Congress has described the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a victory for students, but insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must also apologise. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said it was now Modi’s turn to apologise and take strict action against all those who used lathis, batons and pellet guns against the agitating students. The INDIA bloc meeting at Kharge’s chamber in Parliament on Monday will also finalise the Opposition’s floor strategy and its stand on the new anti-paper leak bill.
New Bill Proposes Harsh Penalties for Paper Leaks
Meanwhile, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been circulated among Lok Sabha members ahead of its introduction. The Bill proposes a minimum jail term of five years, extendable to 10 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh for those involved in paper leaks or the use of unfair means in examinations. For organised crimes, it proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The Opposition’s stand on the bill will be shaped during the INDIA bloc meeting.
