Parliament in Full Volume: Lok Sabha Proceeds, Kharge Sounds Alarm Over CJP Crackdown

New Delhi: Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon on Tuesday, July 21, shortly after the commencement of the second day of the Monsoon Session, amid continued disruptions and protests by Opposition members. The Lok Sabha was adjourned after Speaker Om Birla said members would be given an opportunity to raise their concerns after Question Hour. The disruptions came as the Opposition continued to press for discussions on issues it has raised during the ongoing session. The Rajya Sabha, meanwhile, witnessed noisy scenes after Leader of the House and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge began speaking about the police action surrounding a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party and the proposed march towards Parliament in New Delhi on Monday, July 20. As Kharge raised the issue, the House descended into an uproar, with members from both sides raising objections amid the continuing commotion. Centre Likely to Introduce Bill on Vande Mataram Amid the disruptions, the Centre is expected to introduce the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The proposed legislation seeks to provide statutory protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram. According to the proposed provisions, any act that obstructs the singing of the National Song or amounts to an insult to it could attract legal punishment. The Bill is likely to be closely watched as it comes amid a broader political debate over national symbols and their status under Indian law. Supreme Court Judges Bill Listed in Lok Sabha The Lok Sabha is also scheduled to take up the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passage. The legislative agenda comes against the backdrop of continued disruptions in Parliament, with the government seeking to proceed with scheduled business while Opposition parties demand discussions on various issues. Opposition Protests Disrupt Day 1 Proceedings The second day of the Monsoon Session began amid the fallout from disruptions witnessed on the opening day on Monday, July 20. Proceedings in both Houses were repeatedly adjourned as Opposition members raised demands for discussions on several issues, including alleged question paper leaks and the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The protests and repeated adjournments have once again brought the functioning of Parliament into focus, with the government pushing ahead with its legislative agenda and the Opposition demanding that issues of public and political importance be taken up for discussion. With the Monsoon Session underway, the key challenge for the government and the Opposition will be to balance legislative business with debates on contentious issues. The coming days are expected to determine whether the two sides can reach an understanding to ensure smoother proceedings in both Houses