The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set for another eventful day on Thursday as the Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, while the Opposition presses for an immediate discussion on the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and education reforms.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is slated to move the Bill for consideration and passage. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

Lok Sabha to discuss Supreme Court judges amendment Bill

Alongside the Bill, the Lok Sabha will also consider a statutory resolution moved by Opposition MPs Sougata Ray, N.K. Premachandran, and Adv. Dean Kuriakose seeking to disapprove the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, which was promulgated by the President on May 16, 2026.

As per the revised List of Business, both the statutory resolution and the Amendment Bill will be discussed together.

Opposition seeks debate on NEET paper leak

Ahead of the day’s proceedings, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala submitted a notice under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the House’s scheduled business to discuss the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, police action against protesting students and broader reforms in the country’s examination system.

In his notice, Surjewala said the issue warranted immediate discussion, citing the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of an organised paper leak network that affected over 22 lakh candidates. He also referred to repeated paper leaks in multiple recruitment examinations, alleging continuing systemic shortcomings despite legal safeguards.

Meanwhile, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal also sought a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the NEET paper leak and the reported crackdown on student protesters.

NDA MPs to stage protest

The political atmosphere is also expected to remain charged, with NDA MPs scheduled to hold a protest against the Congress at Parliament’s Makar Dwar before the proceedings begin.

The developments are likely to make the NEET controversy and judicial reforms two of the key issues dominating Parliament during the day’s session.

Student welfare remains the government’s top priority, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he announced the creation of fast-track courts to handle paper leak cases. The announcement comes amid ongoing protests over alleged examination irregularities and political confrontation over the issue.

PM announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the country’s youth. He announced that the government has decided to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.

The Prime Minister said he has directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps to implement the decision. According to him, the move is part of a broader series of measures taken by the government to safeguard students’ interests and bring those responsible for paper leaks to justice.

He also asserted that anyone attempting to harm the future of young people would not be spared.

Rahul Gandhi responds, reiterates Opposition’s demands

Soon after the Prime Minister’s announcement, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the government, alleging that it had failed to protect the country’s education system.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi claimed the government had allowed the education system to deteriorate and protected those responsible. He also repeated the Opposition’s demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those accused of assaulting protesters.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that there had been more than 150 paper leaks in the past 10 years and claimed there had not been a single conviction in such cases.

Protests continue over paper leak issue

The Prime Minister’s announcement came as protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Opposition parties continued in Delhi over alleged examination irregularities.

Reacting to the announcement, CJP reiterated its demand that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi had also described paper leaks as a “ghor paap” (grave sin) during the NDA meeting.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has continued to seek a statement from the Prime Minister in Parliament on the paper leak issue and the police action against protesting students. It has also maintained its demand for the Education Minister’s resignation before any discussion takes place in Parliament.

The government, however, has said it is prepared for a debate on the issue and has accused the Opposition of preventing the discussion by insisting on the minister’s resignation as a precondition.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters continued their sit-in protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Thursday, pressing for accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG 2026, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed 16 metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, ITO, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, amid the ongoing demonstration.

Sonam Wangchuk offers to end hunger strike on one condition

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the CJP protest on June 28, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then. In a video message from Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital, he said he is willing to end his fast if the Centre assures that no force will be used against the protesting students and that no FIRs or punitive action will be initiated against those who participated in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20.

Wangchuk said he has lost around 11 kilograms during the fast but remains determined.

“I am still alive. This is the 25th day of my fast. I have lost around 11 kg of weight. I have lost muscles. But I am alright,” he said.

He added that he wants to return to his work but requires an assurance from the government before ending the hunger strike.

Wangchuk criticises police action during protest

The activist said he decided to continue his fast after the police action during Monday’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.

According to Wangchuk, the action against protesters was severe, prompting him to extend his indefinite fast. He also praised the students who, despite allegedly facing baton charges and provocation, did not retaliate.

Wangchuk further said that several political leaders, including Union ministers and around 65 Members of Parliament, have appealed to him to end his hunger strike.

Young protesters seek accountability over paper leaks

Among those participating in the demonstration was 13-year-old Umasa from Delhi’s Daryaganj. She attended the protest with her father Salim and friend Rahisa while carrying the Indian tricolour.

Speaking about her reason for joining the protest, Umasa said she wanted “a better future.” She also expressed concern over question paper leaks, saying she does not want future students to experience the uncertainty faced by candidates affected by leaked entrance examinations.