Parliament Monsoon Session Day 13 Highlights: Rajya Sabha adjourned for day after passing Bill to increase SC judges

While the proceedings in Lok Sabha remain disrupted on Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha functioned for some time even as Opposition leaders continued to raise slogans in the House.

Members of the INDIA bloc staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the Day 13 of the Monsoon Session, during a debate on a Bill to increase the number of judges in Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, before being adjourned for the day, the Lok Sabha cleared the The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which recognises digital bank records as admissible evidence in courts. The Lower House of the Parliament was shortly adjourned after the Bill was cleared.

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Earlier in the day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a meeting at the latter’s chamber in Parliament amid deadlock.

While the proceedings in Lok Sabha remain disrupted on Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha functioned for some time even as Opposition leaders continued to raise slogans in the House. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha that 1.8 lakh deaths were reported due to road accidents every year.

Ahead of the Parliament’s session, Opposition MPs took out a protest march in Parliament House complex demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on alleged police excesses on students, discussion on “misappropriation” of Ram temple donations and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

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Aug 5, 2026 06:57 PM IST
'INDIA bloc parties from Tamil Nadu discuss Centre's delimitation proposal' | VIDEO

"Parties in INDIA alliance from TN held meeting in Delhi today to discuss union govt's proposed delimitation," says CPI(M) MP Su Venkatesan.

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Aug 5, 2026 06:14 PM IST
Gateman's action prima facie cause of Murshidabad train-van collision that killed 5: Vaishnaw

The primary cause of a collision between a school van and the Nimtita-Katwa passenger train was a gateman opening the level crossing gate for road traffic when the train was approaching, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on July 17, 2026, at a manned level crossing in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, in which five persons were killed, and four others sustained injuries. PTI

Aug 5, 2026 05:49 PM IST
20 of 22 active satellites in low earth orbit at higher risk of collision with space objects: Govt

Twenty of the 22 active Indian satellites in the low earth orbit are at a higher risk of colliding with space objects, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply, Union minister Jitendra Singh also stated that satellites operating in the low earth orbit (less than 2,000 km altitude) are more vulnerable to collision risks due to a denser space object population in the region.

He highlighted that so far in 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) executed nine collision avoidance manoeuvres. In 2025, this number stood at 20.

Collision avoidance manoeuvre is a planned orbital adjustment executed by a satellite operator to prevent a mid-air or in-orbit collision with another object or space debris.

Singh also pointed out that India is an active participant in international cooperation frameworks on space debris management, such as the InterAgency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), and the United Nations Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability (UN-LTS). PTI

Aug 5, 2026 05:09 PM IST
Cooperative NCEL exports agri, allied products worth Rs 5,866 cr since Jan 2023: Govt

National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) has exported agriculture and allied products worth nearly Rs 5,900 crore since its inception in January 2023, the government said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah highlighted that the ministry has established three national-level multi-state cooperative societies: NCEL for exports, National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL) for organic produce and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL) for quality seeds.

Cooperative societies at all levels are eligible to become their members.

At present, the NCEL has enrolled 17,105 cooperative societies from across the country as its members, of which 16,743 are primary-level cooperative societies/PACS. To promote exports, the NCEL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 28 States and Union Territories (UTs).

"Since its inception in January 2023, NCEL has exported over 14,89,102 tonnes of 50 agricultural and allied products, valued at Rs 5,866.10 crore, to 38 countries across the globe," Shah said.

Meanwhile, the NCOL has enrolled 14,550 cooperative societies from across the country as its members, of which 14,280 are primary-level cooperative societies/PACS. Under its flagship "Bharat Organics" brand, NCOL has so far launched 29 organic products. PTI

Aug 5, 2026 04:55 PM IST
Rajya Sabha adjourned for day

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day after passing the Supreme Court (number of judges) amendment Bill, 2026.

Aug 5, 2026 04:29 PM IST
Delhi HC junks PIL to review Parliament security, safety mechanisms

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL (public interest litigation) raising concern over the safety and security of Parliament and seeking to ensure its "uninterrupted constitutional functioning".

Citing the 2001 terror attack on the Parliament complex and the 2023 security breach, the PIL prayed for a direction to authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing institutional security framework, including its "administrative, institutional, operational, technological and cyber-security mechanisms".

"These are not the functions of the court. How can any such direction be issued with respect to the functioning of Parliament? You think the Parliament of this country is incapable of taking care of its own security? What kind of a petition is this? We are there to give directions to Parliament as to how their administrative and operational mechanisms should function?" a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia told the petitioner's counsel. PTI

Aug 5, 2026 04:04 PM IST
Kiren Rijiju meets Rahul Gandhi in bid to end Parliament logjam, Congress firm on demands

The government on Wednesday reached out to the Opposition for the first time in the ongoing Monsoon Session in an attempt to break the parliamentary stalemate. However, the Opposition reiterated its demands that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement on the alleged police excesses against protesting youth and that Parliament discuss the alleged Ram Temple donations theft.

Sources said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, during his nearly 50-minute meeting with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, raised the government’s pending legislative agenda, including the Delimitation Bill and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, to explore ways to ensure their passage.

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Aug 5, 2026 03:55 PM IST
Congress leader Deepender Hooda reacts to BJP's 'Ram-Virodhi party' jibe | VIDEO

Reacting to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju calling Congress a 'Ram-Virodhi party', Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda said, "It is unfortunate to hear this from Kiren Rijiju, those who didn't spare the Ram Temple, either there was their participation or they were just spectators, Mahmud of Ghazni looted the temples 27 times in 17 years, but who are these people in the double-engine government, who looted 70 times in 43 days, the people in the trust are from BJP and RSS, they didn't spare Ram, how they will spare the country? Today there is a fight to save the country as well, they should answer, rather they are questioning. We met the Speaker, we have requested to take out that word."

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Aug 5, 2026 02:55 PM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day; bill on banker's books cleared without debate

Amid relentless opposition protests, a bill to include digital and virtual records as admissible evidence in the courts was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday before the proceedings were adjourned for the day.

As soon as the House reassembled at 2 PM after an earlier adjournment, opposition members continued with their sloganeering refusing to heed to the pleas of the Chair to discuss the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026.

As the disruptions continued, the Bill was put to vote without a debate and was passed by a voice vote.

Responding to the continuous sloganeering, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said though Congress leader K C Venugopal is a good person, he has not been able to control his party MPs. PTI

Aug 5, 2026 02:37 PM IST
Opposition stages walkout in Rajya Sabha

The Opposition on Wednesday staged walkout from Rajya Sabha during debate on bill to increase number of judges in Supreme Court.

Aug 5, 2026 02:32 PM IST
Congress, Communist, SP against Lord Ram, should apologise: Kiren Rijiju

Congress, Communist and Samajwadi parties are against Lord Ram, they should seek apology from the country, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said in his address to Lok Sabha.

Aug 5, 2026 02:24 PM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned till Thursday

Lok Sabha was adjourned till 11 AM on Thursday amid protest from the Opposition. The House was adjourned shortly after the Lok Sabha cleared The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026.

Aug 5, 2026 02:21 PM IST
Lok Sabha passes Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill amid protest

Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which recognises digital bank records as admissible evidence in courts.

Aug 5, 2026 02:19 PM IST
TMC MP Menaka Guruswamy raises issue of judicial reforms in Rajya Sabha

TMC MP Menaka Guruswamy on Wednesday raised the issue of judicial reforms in Rajya Sabha. Speaking on the issue, the TMC MP said 30 per cent vacancy in high courts, while women represent only 14 per cent of High Court judges.

Aug 5, 2026 02:07 PM IST
Parliament resumes on stormy note

Parliament resumed on a stormy note on Wednesday noon with the Opposition members raising slogans in protest inside the two Houses.

Aug 5, 2026 01:07 PM IST
Government lacks political will to address concerns of same-sex couples: Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said a high-powered committee constituted by the Supreme Court following the 2023 judgement on same-sex marriage only met only twice in the last two years. The Congress leader alleged Centre's lack of will to address concerns over the issue and questioned if the Committee was constituted to merely satisfy the court.

In a post on X, the Congress leader said, "The Government's reply to my question lays bare the utter failure of the High-Powered Committee constituted pursuant to the Supreme Court's Supriyo judgment and more importantly, the Government's complete lack of political will to address the concerns of same-sex couples and secure meaningful rights for our fellow citizens in the LGBTQIA+ community. More than two years after its constitution, the Committee has met only twice. Its last meeting took place over two years ago and it has yet to produce a single recommendation or report."

"The interim measures cited by the Government cannot substitute for meaningful legal reform. Advisories do not create rights. They do not guarantee equal access to housing, employment, healthcare, inheritance, joint financial benefits, next-of-kin recognition, medical decision-making or public services. If the Government believes these questions should await the Committee's recommendations, it owes the community an explanation for why the Committee itself has remained virtually inactive for over two years," he added.

Aug 5, 2026 12:42 PM IST
1.8 lakh deaths due to road accidents every year: Nitin Gadkari in Rajya Sabha

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while speaking in Rajya Sabha, said the India sees 1.80 lakh deaths in road accidents every year.

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Aug 5, 2026 12:30 PM IST
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid protest

The proceedings in Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm amid protests by the Opposition.

Aug 5, 2026 12:23 PM IST
What was discussed in Rijiju-Rahul meeting?

A meeting was held between Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday amid the ongoing deadlock in the Parliament. Sharing details of the meeting, Congress leader K C Venugopal said the union minister came with the government's agenda and added that the Opposition is clear in its demand.

"Rijiju came with the government agenda. We are very clear about our demands and issues. We want a discussion on 'Chanda Chori'. We have been asking for a statement from the Home Minister who is responsible police firing and atrocities against (protesting) students," Venugopal said, adding, "Look at the by election results, people’s attitude is changing. These people are not understanding it."

Asked about US Congress member’s remark on FCRA, Venugopal said: “Now you will see Narendra Modi’s mood will change... The opposition in India has been demanding something. But now he will listen to the diktat from the foreign countries. I don’t know why.” The Congress leader was referring to US Congressman Riley Moore who has hit out at the proposed Amendments to the FCRA and said the changes would allow the Indian government to take over “churches and religious charities”.

Meanwhile, sources aware of the meeting said Rijiju also raised the issue of Delimitation with the Leader of the Opposition.

Aug 5, 2026 11:50 AM IST
What unfolded in Lok Sabha today: Highlights

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM on Wednesday amid continued disruptions in the Parliament. Earlier in the day, Opposition MPs marched in the Parliament demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on police excesses on CJP protesters. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the opposition's demand that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah make statements in Parliament.

"Our demand is that Prime Minister Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah come to the House. They should give their statement, we are ready to discuss. The solution will emerge only through discussion," Kharge said. "It has been quite a few days since the House convened. They should come; by not coming to the House, they are insulting Parliament," he added.

Aug 5, 2026 11:45 AM IST
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju meets Rahul Gandhi amid Parliament deadlock

Amidst the deadlock in parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi at the latter’s chamber.

Aug 5, 2026 11:35 AM IST
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 12 pm on Wednesday amid protests by the Opposition.

Aug 5, 2026 11:30 AM IST
PM Modi, Home Minister directly responsible for Parliament logjam: TMC's Sagarika Ghose

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are responsible for the logjam in Parliament. "The logjam that is there in Parliament, for this, the PM and the HM are directly responsible, they are not coming, are in fear, that is why the logjam is there," TMC MP Sagarika Ghose told reporters.

Aug 5, 2026 11:20 AM IST
Raising slogans inside or outside House not good for democracy: Speaker Om Birla

The house resumed proceedings on Wednesday amid slogans from the Opposition. Addressing Opposition MPs, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said raising slogans inside or outside House is not good for democracy.

Aug 5, 2026 11:11 AM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned amid protests till 2 PM

Lok Sabha has been adjourned amid protests on Wednesday morning. The House will resume at 2 PM.

Aug 5, 2026 10:26 AM IST
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka, Opposition MPs to march in Parliament: Video

Several Opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is set to march from the Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar in protest against Home Minister Amit Shah over 'police action' against Jantar Mantar protestors, Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations row, among other issues.

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Aug 5, 2026 09:57 AM IST
What is the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill?

The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 is set to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal and replace the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, making it easier for the banks to old maintain records.

The Bill seeks to modernise the legal framework through which banks store original records. It provides for certified copies of bank records to be used as evidence in legal proceedings without requiring production of the original records.

Aug 5, 2026 09:20 AM IST
Congress MP submits Adjournment Motion over anti-defection law

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss "the contours of a new Anti-Defection Law that proscribes Mass Political Defections driven by opportunism and bereft of any genuine ideological or policy differences while simultaneously providing space for honest and critical dissent both inside and outside Parliament and the legislatures".

Aug 5, 2026 09:05 AM IST
Congress' Manickam Tagore moves Adjournment notice in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has moved an Adjournment Motion in Lok Sabha demanding a statement by Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action during the students' protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.

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