Parliament on Thursday passed two separate bills: one extending legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram and another addressing paper leaks in medical education. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill places Vande Mataram on par with the national anthem for legal protection. The DMK opposed the bill, citing concerns about national division and imposition, while the BJP defended it as a measure to ensure respect for the complete song. Simultaneously, the paper leak bill was passed after the Opposition walked out of the Rajya Sabha. Replying to the debate, Minister Jitendra Singh said the government has made efforts to free medical education from management quota malice. Opposition leader Kharge demanded a Supreme Court-monitored high-powered panel to probe NEET paper leaks and police action against protesters.