Parliament – Congress Pushes for Debate on Alleged Force Against NEET Protesters
Parliament – Congress members intensified their demand for an immediate debate in Parliament on the alleged use of force against students protesting the NEET paper leak issue, urging the government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the police action and ensure accountability.
Congress MPs submitted separate notices in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, seeking to suspend the scheduled business of the day to allow an urgent discussion on the matter. The demand comes as the Centre’s proposed legislation aimed at strengthening the anti-paper leak law, including tougher penalties for offenders, is expected to be taken up for debate in the Lok Sabha.
Opposition Seeks Immediate Parliamentary Discussion
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Syed Naseer Hussain filed notices under Rule 267, requesting that normal proceedings be set aside to discuss the reported police action against student demonstrators. In the Lok Sabha, Deputy Leader of the Congress Gaurav Gogoi and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari submitted adjournment notices seeking a dedicated debate on the issue.
The party has also renewed its demand that Union Home Minister Amit Shah address Parliament and explain the circumstances under which force was allegedly used against the protesters. Congress leaders have called for clarification regarding reports of lathi-charge, tear gas and the alleged deployment of pellet guns during the demonstrations.
Notices Raise Questions Over Law Enforcement Action
According to the notices submitted by Congress MPs, the House should examine reports claiming that peaceful student protesters, along with women participants and journalists, were subjected to force during the demonstrations held in Delhi on July 20, 2026.
The notices further seek statements from both the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister regarding the government’s response, the decision-making process behind the police action and the safeguards that may be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Congress members argued that the issue carries significant importance because it concerns democratic rights, public accountability and the conduct of law enforcement agencies during public protests.
Injury Reports Highlighted by Congress
In his notice, Gaurav Gogoi referred to official reports stating that more than 170 people, including protesters and security personnel, were taken to hospitals after violence broke out during the march. He also cited reports indicating that between 60 and 90 injured protesters required medical treatment.
The Congress leader further pointed to media reports alleging that several students sustained serious injuries, including one who reportedly suffered severe eye injuries linked to the alleged use of pellet guns.
Gogoi also mentioned allegations that some women students faced physical assault during the incident and claimed that unidentified individuals dressed in plain clothes were present alongside uniformed personnel during the operation. He argued that these allegations warrant a detailed parliamentary examination.
Questions Raised Over Administrative Responsibility
Congress leaders have maintained that since the Delhi Police functions under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the ministry should explain whether the reported use of force was authorised and identify those responsible for implementing the measures.
The notices stress that Parliament should examine the accountability of the authorities involved and determine whether established procedures were followed during the police response.
Background of the Student Protest
The controversy follows a 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janta Party over the NEET paper leak issue. The agitation concluded on Saturday after the government accepted several key demands raised by the protesters and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his position.
Meanwhile, both the police and protest organisers have continued to offer differing accounts of the violence that occurred during the July 20 march towards Parliament.
In his adjournment notice, Manish Tewari specifically sought a discussion on reports alleging the use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force against unarmed student protesters, stating that the incident reportedly left more than 80 people injured.