File photo: Opposition & ruling party MPs staged counter-protests & raised slogans against each other outside Parliament on Thursday (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Congress-led opposition is set to keep up the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak, with demands for action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources quoted by news agency PTI said on Sunday.The opposition’s floor strategy, including its stand on the proposed amendment to the anti-paper leak law, will be finalised at a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders in Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber on Monday morning, the sources said.The developments come ahead of what is expected to be a heated debate in Parliament over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been listed for introduction, consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday.CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedRahul Gandhi seeks answers from Amit ShahAhead of the Parliament session, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for what he described as the “barbaric assault” on peacefully protesting students and questioning whether the home minister had authorised the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns.In the letter, the Congress MP said peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and it is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue.”Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” he wrote.Sharing the letter on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi had asked Shah two questions: “As the Home Minister, did you authorise the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students? If not, who granted this authorisation? Are the individuals seen raining blows on students while dressed in plain clothes, police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?””The home minister must answer these crucial questions in Parliament tomorrow. The prime minister should apologise to the students,” Ramesh added.Rahul had earlier alleged that security personnel used pellet guns, tear gas and batons against peaceful protesters during the July 20 march to Parliament.He also referred to 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, claiming the youth could lose an eye after allegedly being struck by pellets. Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns during the protest, while the CRPF has not responded to the allegation.Opposition to decide stand on anti-paper leak billThe Congress has described education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as a victory for students but has maintained that Prime Minister Modi should also apologise over the alleged police action.Kharge has said it is now the prime minister’s turn to apologise and take strict action against those responsible for using lathis, batons and pellet guns against protesting students.After Pradhan’s resignation, Rahul also urged PM Modi to apologise to students “out of respect for the future of the country” and for the alleged “atrocities” committed during the protests.”This is not the end. We still await the prime minister’s apology to our students,” Ramesh said, reiterating the demand for accountability for those responsible for the alleged excesses.A heated debate on the paper leak issue is likely if the government and opposition can resolve the ongoing deadlock in both Houses of Parliament.The opposition will also decide whether to support the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.The proposed legislation seeks to tighten punishments for examination-related offences. Individuals involved in paper leaks or other unfair means would face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. Organised crimes related to examination fraud would attract a minimum seven-year jail term and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.The existing law prescribes imprisonment of three to five years for cheating-related offences, while organised exam fraud currently attracts five to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.Asked on Saturday whether the Congress would support the new bill, Rahul said the party would take a decision only after consultations with other opposition parties.”The Congress party has a central principle. We will decide this during a meeting of opposition parties and a decision will be based on opposition consensus. In Parliament, that is our discipline, and that is our way of functioning,” he said.The government announced the proposed amendments after student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak intensified across the country. Prime Minister Modi has also promised fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the agitation, called off its 36-day protest on Saturday after the resignation of the education minister and the government’s acceptance of its other demands.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Drain Tragedy: 20-Year-Old US Student Dies After Car Plunges Into DrainKargil Vijay Diwas 2026: How Operation Vijay Transformed India’s Military And Defence Strategy3 Arrested In Assam As STF Cracks Down On Alleged Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell NetworkDelhi Approves Rs 6,970-Crore Tunnel Corridor To Cut Airport, Mahipalpur Traffic‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar’Wangchuk, Dipke Joined AISA’s Protest’: Harsh Dubey On NEET, Reservation, Jantar Mantar ProtestJantar Mantar Erupts In Celebration As Pradhan Resigns, Delhi Metro Reopens All Station Gates123Photostories5 natural foods that can kill cockroaches instantlyAriana Grande, Celine Dion, Katy Perry and more: Musicians who slammed the White House over unauthorised use of their songsInside Krushna Abhishek’s lavish Mumbai home: A massive living room, elegant interiors and moreIran ended visa-free entry for Indians, and it wasn’t the only country to tighten travel rules in 2026; three more countries quietly followed8 Plants that quietly attract sunbirds to Indian balconies5 relationship lessons people often learn only after heartbreakWhat happens when you knead roti dough with hot water and salt? 3 secrets to keep rotis soft for hoursWhy do some cheeses have holes while others don’t?You’re probably using aluminium foil wrong: 9 Everyday mistakes that affect food quality and storage8 things you should never wrap in aluminium foil, according to food safety experts123Hot PicksSchool holiday todayDelhi metroCJP ProtestMumbai rainGujarat RainAIIMS notificationNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingMP NEET Arpirant RapeNEET Paper LeakCJP Protester AssaultedKerala IPS Ajith Kumar SuspensionAssam Flood DeathsDelhi Metro Stations ClosedMumbai ProtestUP Amroha WeddingHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
NEW DELHI: The Congress-led opposition is set to keep up the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak, with demands for action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources quoted by news agency PTI said on Sunday.The opposition’s floor strategy, including its stand on the proposed amendment to the anti-paper leak law, will be finalised at a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders in Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber on Monday morning, the sources said.The developments come ahead of what is expected to be a heated debate in Parliament over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been listed for introduction, consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
Rahul Gandhi seeks answers from Amit Shah
Ahead of the Parliament session, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for what he described as the “barbaric assault” on peacefully protesting students and questioning whether the home minister had authorised the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns.In the letter, the Congress MP said peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and it is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue.“Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” he wrote.Sharing the letter on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi had asked Shah two questions: “As the Home Minister, did you authorise the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against students? If not, who granted this authorisation? Are the individuals seen raining blows on students while dressed in plain clothes, police personnel or volunteers? Who authorised their deployment?”“The home minister must answer these crucial questions in Parliament tomorrow. The prime minister should apologise to the students,” Ramesh added.Rahul had earlier alleged that security personnel used pellet guns, tear gas and batons against peaceful protesters during the July 20 march to Parliament.He also referred to 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, claiming the youth could lose an eye after allegedly being struck by pellets. Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns during the protest, while the CRPF has not responded to the allegation.
Opposition to decide stand on anti-paper leak bill
The Congress has described education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as a victory for students but has maintained that Prime Minister Modi should also apologise over the alleged police action.Kharge has said it is now the prime minister’s turn to apologise and take strict action against those responsible for using lathis, batons and pellet guns against protesting students.After Pradhan’s resignation, Rahul also urged PM Modi to apologise to students “out of respect for the future of the country” and for the alleged “atrocities” committed during the protests.“This is not the end. We still await the prime minister’s apology to our students,” Ramesh said, reiterating the demand for accountability for those responsible for the alleged excesses.A heated debate on the paper leak issue is likely if the government and opposition can resolve the ongoing deadlock in both Houses of Parliament.The opposition will also decide whether to support the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.The proposed legislation seeks to tighten punishments for examination-related offences. Individuals involved in paper leaks or other unfair means would face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. Organised crimes related to examination fraud would attract a minimum seven-year jail term and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.The existing law prescribes imprisonment of three to five years for cheating-related offences, while organised exam fraud currently attracts five to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.Asked on Saturday whether the Congress would support the new bill, Rahul said the party would take a decision only after consultations with other opposition parties.“The Congress party has a central principle. We will decide this during a meeting of opposition parties and a decision will be based on opposition consensus. In Parliament, that is our discipline, and that is our way of functioning,” he said.The government announced the proposed amendments after student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak intensified across the country. Prime Minister Modi has also promised fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the agitation, called off its 36-day protest on Saturday after the resignation of the education minister and the government’s acceptance of its other demands.
