Delhi Police Action on NEET Protest Sparks Parliamentary Stalemate

On July 20, students staged a large‑scale protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against alleged NEET exam paper leaks. Police and security forces responded with pellet guns, shock batons and other force, leaving several protesters seriously injured and some fearing loss of eyesight.

In response, opposition members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha submitted adjournment‑motion notices demanding an immediate discussion of the police’s use of force. The controversy disrupted parliamentary business, leading the Speaker to suspend the session twice and postpone further proceedings until the afternoon.

Amid the turmoil, the government introduced the Public Examinations (Anti‑Paper Leak) Amendment Bill 2026, proposing penalties of five to ten years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹5 million for individuals involved in exam paper leaks or related organized crime, as well as fast‑track courts for investigations.