Parliament faces tumult, adjournments over J&K statehood, Ram Mandir row

New Delhi: Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid continuous noisy protests and disruptions by Opposition MPs demanding statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, a statement from the Home Minister on alleged police action against students, and accountability on Ram Temple donations.

The deadlock, however, did not prevent key legislative business from being transacted.

The Rajya Sabha cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which raises the sanctioned strength of the apex court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.

The Bill, treated as a Money Bill, was returned to the Lok Sabha after consideration.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal underlined the need for a structural shift in the higher judiciary, citing the example of the Sabarimala case being heard by a nine-judge Bench, which leaves fewer judges available for other matters.

He said the increase would enable the Supreme Court to hear more cases simultaneously, improve the disposal rate, and make it easier for the Chief Justice of India to constitute Constitution Benches regularly.

Meghwal also referred to ongoing consultations on regional benches of the Supreme Court under Article 130 of the Constitution and reaffirmed the Union government’s commitment to the independence of the Judiciary.

He noted that after the earlier ordinance, one more woman judge had been appointed and expressed confidence that India would soon see a woman Chief Justice of India, in line with the government’s focus on Nari Shakti.

In the Lok Sabha, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, was passed by voice vote without any discussion before the House was adjourned.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged Opposition MPs to allow the House to function and criticised the Congress, Communist party of India and the Samajwadi Party for politicising the alleged Ram Temple donations issue.

He also dismissed rumours of extending the Monsoon Session or convening a special session in mid-August.

Earlier on Wednesday, Opposition MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi marched from Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar pressing their demands.

Amid the stalemate, Rijiju held a 50-minute meeting with Rahul Gandhi inside the Parliament complex in an attempt to break the deadlock.

Congress MPs also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to object to certain remarks made against party members.

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan repeatedly appealed for order, reminding members that entering the well of the House and displaying placards are prohibited.

Despite the heated atmosphere, the passage of the two Bills marked limited progress on a day otherwise dominated by protests and adjournments.

IANS