Among Suspended, Six Belongs to Congress, 2 Each from Shiv Sena and TMC, and 1 Each from CPI, CPIM
The first day of the Winter session started with disruption as both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) saw disruptions after Lok Sabha (LS) passed the Bill to repeal three controversial farm laws.
After which, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (Government of India), Pralhad Joshi, piloted motion regarding the suspension of members under Rule No. 256. With the passage of motion, 12 Rajya Sabha (RS) Members of Parliament (MP) were suspended for “Violation of Code of Conduct of the Upper House during the Last (Monsoon) Session of the Parliament”.
This year in the Monsoon Session opposition parties demanded a discussion on Pegasus Hacking and Farm Laws Issue. When Ashwani Vaishnav (Minister of Electronics & Information Technology) replied to the Pegasus issue, Shantanu Sen, TMC MP, snatched papers from him, creating the ruckus in houses.
Motion moved by Joshi in this regard said “This House takes cognizance and strongly condemns the utter disregard to the authority of the Chair. Members abused of rules of the House and willfully disobeyed the business of houses through their acts of misconduct.
Members indulged in unruly, contemptuous and violent actions and intentionally attacked security personal on the last day of the 254th Session of Rajya Sabha’s Monsoon Session. Their actions lower the red dignity of houses.
For the above-mentioned compelling reasons, to suspend these members from the Service of houses for the remainder of the 255th Session under Rule 256 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Raja Sabha”.
In the Monsoon session, Union Government had communicated with the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to take cognizance of the disobedient behavior of the members. Shiv Sena RS MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Said, “This is completely arrogant behavior of the Government, and it wants to suppress the voice of opposition.
I will approach RS Chairman in this matter because I was suspended without allowing me to explain my case”. Sushil Modi, BJP MP, said, “This was necessary action as I have never witnessed such behavior in the last 35 years of my legislative experience. Hopefully, all members of the Parliament will learn a lesson after this action”.
MP’s (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) are obliged to follow certain parliamentary etiquette mentioned in Rules of Procedure and practices. For example, MP’s are not allowed to interrupt the speech, responsible for maintaining tranquility in houses. Members are not allowed to display placards, shout slogans Etc. Rules for both places are similar.
The chairman (RS) or Speaker (LS) is empowered to withdraw the chamber for gross misconduct. The presiding officer can also “Suspend” the MP/MPs for the whole session for willfully obstructing the business of houses (usually after Minister of Parliamentary Affairs pilots motivation).
Technical, rational, non-political deliberations at the legislatures of the democratic country hold immense significance. Such debates add value to motions, resolutions or bills presented in the respective Houses.
The Draft bill prepared after considering suggestions/opinions of the representatives (MP’s) is less prone to the opposition, plus it smoothens the passage and implementation of the Act. In India, debates in the Parliament or State Legislatures are more political rather than technical or rationale. Hence, he Houses should pass the Bill to the committees where discussions are sounder and more lucid.
Due to unrest, the Houses often gets adjourned, wasting valuable time and tax payer’s money. Members must refrain from violent actions and unruly behavior, and the ruling party (the Government) shall consider and act upon the opposition’s recommendations, making the law-making more inclusive.
