Congress MPs have submitted notices in both houses of Parliament seeking an urgent discussion on the alleged use of force by police against students protesting over the NEET paper leak issue. The notices were moved on Tuesday as the Centre's proposed legislation to strengthen the anti-paper leak law with stricter punishments is also expected to be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha. Congress leaders have demanded accountability over the police action during the student protests and sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding allegations of excessive force, including the reported use of pellet guns and batons. The party has also sought clarification from the government on measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MPs Randeep Surjewala and Syed Naseer Hussain submitted notices under Rule 267, seeking suspension of scheduled business to discuss the issue. In the Lok Sabha, Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari moved adjournment notices demanding that the House suspend its listed proceedings to debate the alleged police action. The notices referred to the events of July 20, when clashes broke out during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Congress MPs alleged that peaceful protesters faced the use of lathi charges, tear gas and pellet guns during the police response.

Surjewala and Hussain, in their notice, sought an immediate discussion on the alleged assault of students, women protesters and journalists. They demanded that the Home Minister clarify whether the use of force was authorised and identify those responsible for the action. They also sought a statement from the Prime Minister on the government's response, accountability measures and safeguards for future protests. Gaurav Gogoi, in his notice, said the incident raised serious concerns regarding democratic rights, the conduct of law enforcement agencies and accountability for actions taken against protesters. He claimed that the alleged use of excessive force had been acknowledged by the Director General of the Rapid Action Force.

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According to Gogoi's notice, more than 170 people, including protesters and security personnel, were taken to hospitals following the violence, with several injured protesters requiring medical attention. He also referred to reports alleging that some students suffered serious injuries, including severe eye injuries caused by pellet guns. The Congress MP further alleged that there were claims of physical assault against women students and the presence of unidentified individuals in plain clothes during the operation. He argued that since Delhi Police functions under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the ministry's role and responsibility should be examined.

Manish Tewari's notice in the Lok Sabha specifically called for a discussion on the alleged use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force against student protesters during the July 20 march to Parliament. He stated that the incident left more than 80 people injured and required immediate attention from lawmakers. The demands for discussion come after the conclusion of a 36-day agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar. The protest ended on Saturday after the government accepted key demands raised by demonstrators and Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister.

Both police and protesters have accused each other of provoking violence during the July 20 march. While authorities have defended their actions as necessary for maintaining law and order, opposition parties have demanded an independent examination of the allegations and accountability for any misuse of force. The issue is expected to lead to heated discussions in Parliament as lawmakers debate examination reforms, student concerns and the conduct of security forces during protests.

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