Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Friday as persistent protests by opposition members over the alleged NEET paper leak and the ongoing student protests brought legislative business to a standstill for the fifth consecutive day. Despite repeated appeals from the Chair and the government's offer to hold a discussion on the issue, continuous sloganeering prevented normal proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The day began with both Houses paying solemn tributes to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Members observed a moment of silence in honour of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives defending the country's sovereignty. However, soon after the commemorative proceedings concluded, the atmosphere turned stormy as opposition members raised slogans demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.
When the Rajya Sabha convened at 11 a.m., Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan paid homage to the Kargil martyrs, describing Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of India's victory in the 1999 conflict and a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces. The House then observed silence in memory of the fallen soldiers.
As the Chairman proceeded with Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the NEET paper leak issue and referred to the ongoing student protests. This immediately triggered loud protests from both opposition and treasury benches, forcing the Chair to adjourn the House till noon.
When the Upper House reassembled at 12 p.m., Chairman Radhakrishnan attempted to take up Question Hour, but opposition members continued demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. With the disruption continuing unabated, the House was adjourned again till 2 p.m.
At 2 p.m., Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Before the Bill was introduced, CPI(M) leader John Brittas and CPI leader Sandosh Kumar opposed its introduction. Soon after the Bill was tabled, opposition members resumed sloganeering over the NEET issue, prompting Deputy Chairman Harivansh to adjourn the House for the day till Monday.
The Lok Sabha too witnessed repeated disruptions over the NEET controversy.
Speaker Om Birla opened the proceedings by paying tribute to the Kargil War martyrs, noting that July 26 marks the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He praised the courage and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, stating that the nation would forever remain indebted to the soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Members observed silence in memory of the martyrs.
However, as soon as Question Hour commenced, opposition members began raising slogans demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Despite repeated appeals by the Speaker to allow the House to function, the protests continued, leading to an adjournment till noon.
When the House reconvened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the government had been ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue from the very first day of the session. He alleged that the discussion could not proceed because of conditions imposed by the Congress and stressed that all members desired a meaningful debate on the matter.
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