Opposition Demands PM Apology Over Student Protests, Government Set to Introduce Anti-Paper Leak Bill
The Congress-led opposition is set to maintain pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged use of force against protesting students, sources said on Sunday (July 26, 2026). The opposition is demanding action against those responsible and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The opposition's floor strategy and its stance on the bill to amend the anti-paper leak law will be finalised at a meeting of the INDIA bloc in Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber on Monday (July 27) morning, sources said.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking accountability for what he described as a 'barbaric assault' on peacefully protesting students. Gandhi asked whether Shah approved the use of 'lethal force', including pellet guns.
In his letter, Gandhi said peaceful protest is crucial to any democracy, and it is the government's responsibility to protect protestors and resolve 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,' the former Congress chief said.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, sharing the letter, said Gandhi posed two questions to Shah: '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?' Ramesh demanded that the Home Minister answer these questions in Parliament and that the Prime Minister apologise to the students.
The Congress has described Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as a victory for students but asserted that the Prime Minister must also apologise. Kharge said it was now Modi's turn to apologise and take strict action against all those who used lathis, batons and pellet guns against the agitating students.
After Pradhan's resignation, Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to apologise to the students out of respect for the future of the country and for the 'atrocities' committed on them during the agitation. Gandhi said Pradhan's resignation was a huge step towards rebuilding the education system, asserting that it was a 'symbolic step because he was a symbol, but it is still a big step'.
'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 fiery debate on the paper leak issue is on the cards if the government and opposition break the ongoing deadlock in both Houses of Parliament. The government has not yet responded to the opposition's allegations. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been circulated to Lok Sabha members ahead of its introduction.
The bill proposes that individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will face jail terms of a minimum of five years and a maximum of ten years, and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. For organised crimes, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to ₹10 crore. The existing law provides for a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment to curb cheating, while those involved in organised crimes face five to ten years and a minimum fine of ₹1 crore.
The bill has been listed for introduction, consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 27). Bills are usually not listed for introduction and passage on the same day. The government announced it was bringing in the proposed legislation after student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party over the NEET paper leak issue gained momentum.
