New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 5 p.m. on Monday after persistent sloganeering by Opposition members disrupted proceedings, even as the government appealed for a detailed discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The adjournment marked the third disruption of the day, as the House repeatedly witnessed protests from Opposition benches following the introduction of the anti-paper leak legislation by the Centre.
The anti-paper leak Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day amid loud protests by Opposition members, preventing the House from taking up a substantive discussion on the proposed legislation.
Appealing to members to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House, Speaker Om Birla urged Opposition MPs to return to their seats and participate in the debate instead of continuing with slogans and placards.
He also assured members that adequate time would be provided for a comprehensive discussion and said the debate could be extended by six hours, if required.
“Sloganeering and placarding won’t lead to a discussion on this issue. I urge you to extend the time beyond six hours, or even more, on the floor of the House, to express your views and opinions, so that everyone can hear your opinions, and the students of the country who are attending this issue are assured of effective action,” Birla said.
“You should express your views on this issue, not raise slogans; you have been elected to discuss the issue in the House,” he added.
Thanking the Speaker for allocating time for the debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned why the Opposition was preventing a discussion despite several members having submitted amendment notices regarding the issue earlier in the day.
“You have been given sufficient time, and so many amendment notices have been received. This means that many members want to express their views on this important Bill. Notices for introductions have been received, and amendment notices have also been received. So, on one hand, there are so many amendment notices. You also expressed your willingness to give sufficient time. So, why are they (Opposition) raising these slogans to stop the discussion? I don’t understand this,” he said.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that students across the country were closely watching the proceedings and argued that delaying discussion on the legislation would send a “very wrong message” regarding the Parliament’s commitment to addressing examination-related issues.
“I again urge the Congress party to reassure its colleagues and let us begin the discussion on the Bill. Whatever time the Speaker allows, we are acceptable,” Rijiju added.
Before adjourning the House, Speaker Birla appealed to leaders of all political parties to hold discussions among themselves and arrive at a consensus so that the Bill could be debated later in the day.
“I urge the members of all major parties to further discuss and build consensus among themselves. We absolutely want to discuss this issue. Therefore, I am giving you another three hours today. The government and everyone must reach a consensus by 5 p.m. so that this Bill can be discussed at 5 p.m.,” Birla said.
The House was then adjourned till 5 p.m.
(IANS)
