Parliament – Monsoon Session Opens Amid Calls for Anti-Defection Law Debate
Parliament -The Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday with an extensive legislative schedule, while political developments outside the listed business also drew attention. Congress MP Manish Tewari submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, requesting that the House suspend its regular proceedings to hold a detailed discussion on introducing a fresh anti-defection law. He argued that the existing framework requires significant changes to prevent large-scale political defections driven by personal or political gain, while ensuring genuine ideological differences and constructive criticism remain protected within democratic institutions.
Tewari Seeks Discussion on New Anti-Defection Framework
In his notice to the Lok Sabha Secretary General, Tewari proposed setting aside Question Hour, Zero Hour and other scheduled business to deliberate on a revised anti-defection mechanism. According to the Congress leader, frequent mass defections have weakened public confidence in elected institutions. He maintained that any future legislation should discourage opportunistic political switching without restricting lawmakers from expressing independent views or dissenting on policy matters. Tewari also urged the government to treat the issue as one of urgent national importance and allow Parliament to debate it in detail.
Legislative Business Scheduled in Lok Sabha
Alongside the political demand for discussion, the Lok Sabha’s official agenda includes several legislative and procedural matters. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the ordinance issued earlier this year and formally increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37 by amending the 1956 law governing the court’s composition.
The House will also consider a motion relating to the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit. BJP MPs Eatala Rajender and Ajay Bhatt are scheduled to move the proposal, recommending that the Rajya Sabha elect two members through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system to fill vacancies created after the retirement of former committee members.
Opening Proceedings and Ministerial Statements
Proceedings in the Lok Sabha are set to begin with obituary references for several former Members of Parliament and other distinguished personalities. This will be followed by Question Hour and the laying of official papers by ministers representing the Parliamentary Affairs, Finance, and Environment ministries.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi is also scheduled to present a statement regarding the implementation of recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas concerning litigation involving public sector oil companies. Later in the day, members are expected to raise issues under Rule 377.
Rajya Sabha to Consider Key Bills and Committee Appointments
In the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is listed to introduce a Bill proposing amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The proposed changes aim to make any deliberate obstruction or insult to the national song Vande Mataram a punishable offence under the law.
The Upper House will additionally take up motions concerning appointments to the Central Advisory Committee of the National Cadet Corps and the Joint Committee examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Several official documents, including statements on previously passed Bills and recently promulgated ordinances, will also be tabled.
Opposition Expected to Raise Multiple Issues
Apart from the government’s legislative agenda, the Opposition is preparing to raise several contentious matters during the session. The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the reported embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple are expected to feature prominently in parliamentary discussions.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh has already submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking suspension of business for a debate on the examination controversy. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has also sought a discussion on the alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya temple through an adjournment motion.
Session Likely to Witness Political Confrontation
The Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to continue until August 13, is expected to witness sharp exchanges between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and Opposition parties on legislative proposals as well as political controversies. The session will also mark the parliamentary debut of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), formed after 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs aligned themselves with the NDA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address the media before the formal commencement of proceedings at Parliament House.