Suspension of MPs

Why in news?

• Twelve Opposition members of the Rajya Sabha were suspended for the entire winter session for “unprecedented acts of misconduct”, “unruly and violent behaviour” and “intentional attacks on security personnel”.

More about the news:

• This is the first time members of Rajya Sabha have been suspended for misconduct during the previous session. Opposition parties described the move as “authoritarian”, “unwarranted” and “undemocratic”.

What powers do presiding officers have to deal with MPs disrupting proceedings?

• MPs are required to adhere to certain rules of parliamentary etiquette.
• For example the Lok Sabha rulebook specifies that MPs are not to interrupt the speech of others, maintain silence and not obstruct proceedings by hissing or making running commentaries during debates.
• The presiding officer of each House can direct an MP to withdraw from the legislative chamber for grossly disorderly conduct.
• The MP then has to remain absent from the proceedings of the House for the remainder of the day.
• The presiding officers can also “name” an MP for “persistently and wilfully obstructing the business” of the House. In such a case, usually, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister moves a motion for suspending the offending MP from the service of the House. The suspension can last until the end of the session.

How often have disruptions led to suspension of MPs?

• The first instance occurred in 1963. A few Lok Sabha MPs first interrupted President Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and then walked out while he was delivering the joint address to both Houses. Lok Sabha ended in reprimanding these MPs.
• In 1989, 63 MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha.
• More recently in 2010, 7 MPs were suspended from Rajya Sabha for snatching the women’s reservation bill from the minister.

Add ons:

• In 2001, the Lok Sabha rule was amended to give the Speaker one additional power. A new rule, 374A, empowers the Speaker to automatically suspend an MP for a maximum of five days for disrupting the business of the House.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The presiding officer of each House can direct an MP to withdraw from the legislative chamber for grossly disorderly conduct.

2. Motion for revocation of suspension of MPs requires a majority of 2/3rd members present and voting.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer