Rajya Sabha adjourned six times over paper leak

Rajya Sabha was adjourned six times on Monday, July 20, 2026, with the Opposition demanding action against the culprits in the NEET exam question paper leak case.

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The day’s proceedings began with Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan swearing in the nine newly elected members, including three who recently switched to the BJP from the Trinamool Congress – Prakash Chik Baraik, Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray. The opposition chanted slogans during the oath taking of three members.

Congress members heckled BJP leader Mahesh Kewat, the newly elected member from Madhya Pradesh, where the nomination of Congress’ Meenakshi Natrajan was disqualified. As Mr Kewat was about to be sworn in, they shouted “seat choir”.

Others who took oath were BJP member Satish Poonia from Rajasthan, Congress member Pawan Khera from Karnataka, Mukeshbhai J. Rathwa (BJP-Gujarat), James Sangma (National People’s Party-Meghalaya) and Khiangte Laltluangkima (Zoram People’s Movement-Mizoram).

After the oath-taking and customary presentation of documents, Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge flagged the latest document leak and drew the government’s attention to the police action at Jantar Mantar. “Thousands of students reached Jantar Mantar (where the protest was held) and lathi charges were made on them,” he said. “The government is trying to outwit them and suppress the problem,” Mr Kharge said, as opposition members shouted “shame, shame”.

Amidst the chaos, the President adjourned the House until noon. The hearing was postponed for the second time to 12.30. The parliament was adjourned first to 12.50 and then again to 14.00. By the time Parliament met at 12.50 pm, the crowd at Rail Bhawan, just a few meters away from the Parliament gate, had started to grow. When the opposition raised the issue amidst slogans, Mr Radhakrishnan adjourned the House till 2 pm.

When the House reconvened, Deputy Speaker Harivansh apprised the members about the decision of the Business Advisory Committee, which devoted time to legislative affairs of the government in its meeting held on Monday.

As opposition members continued shouting slogans, Mr. Harivansh urged them to follow etiquette. After members refused to yield, he adjourned the House for half an hour until 14.30. When the House reconvened, the Deputy Speaker tried to calm the Opposition members and urged them to return to their seats and allow the House to function. However, the Opposition ignored his appeal and Mr. Harivansh adjourned the House for a day.