Congress Seeks Parliament Debate on Police Action During Student Protests

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday intensified its attack on the Centre by moving notices in both Houses of Parliament, seeking an immediate discussion on the police action against students who participated in the July 20 protest over the NEET paper leak issue. The party has called for a detailed debate, alleging that excessive force was used against demonstrators and demanding accountability from the government.

In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MPs Randeep Surjewala and Syed Naseer Hussain submitted notices under Rule 267, requesting that the normal business of the House be suspended to allow an urgent discussion on the issue. In the Lok Sabha, Deputy Leader of the Congress Gaurav Gogoi and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari filed adjournment notices with a similar demand.

The opposition leaders argued that the incident raises significant concerns about the protection of democratic rights and the manner in which law enforcement agencies handled the student demonstration. They urged Parliament to examine the circumstances surrounding the police response and the measures adopted during the protest.

The Congress has also demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament explaining the government’s position on the incident. The party has sought clarification on whether the use of force during the protest was officially authorised and who would be held accountable for the actions taken on the ground. It has also called on the Prime Minister to outline the government’s approach to ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.

According to the notices submitted by the Congress MPs, the protest witnessed the use of lathi charge, tear gas and pellet guns against demonstrators. The notices further referred to allegations that women students and journalists were assaulted during the operation, making the issue one of urgent public importance requiring parliamentary scrutiny.

In his Lok Sabha notice, Gaurav Gogoi stated that official reports indicated more than 170 people, including protesters and security personnel, were taken to hospitals following the violence. He also referred to reports suggesting that between 60 and 90 injured protesters required medical treatment, with some sustaining serious injuries.

Gogoi further cited media reports claiming that one student suffered severe eye injuries allegedly caused by pellet fire. He also referred to allegations that women protesters were subjected to physical assault and that unidentified individuals in plain clothes were present alongside uniformed personnel during the operation. He maintained that these allegations warrant a comprehensive discussion in Parliament.

The Congress leader emphasised that since the Delhi Police functions under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, it is necessary to examine the ministry’s role in authorising security measures and ensuring accountability for the actions of the agencies involved.

Manish Tewari, in his adjournment motion, also sought suspension of the scheduled proceedings in the Lok Sabha to discuss the reported use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force during the march towards Parliament. He said the matter deserved immediate attention because of the injuries reportedly suffered by protesters.

The parliamentary notices come even as the Lok Sabha is expected to take up discussion on a government bill aimed at strengthening the anti-paper leak legal framework. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce stricter penalties and stronger enforcement mechanisms to curb examination-related malpractices.

The student agitation at Jantar Mantar, which continued for 36 days over the NEET paper leak controversy, concluded after the government accepted several key demands of the protesters and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from office. However, the events surrounding the July 20 march continue to remain a politically contentious issue.

While protesters have accused security personnel of using excessive force, the police have maintained that action was taken to control the situation after clashes erupted. The issue is now expected to trigger a fresh confrontation between the government and the opposition during the ongoing Parliament session.