Eight Opposition MPs Face Suspension from Lok Sabha Over Disruptive Behavior
In a significant development during the ongoing Budget Session, eight Opposition members have been suspended from the Lok Sabha for alleged misconduct, including shouting slogans and tearing up papers on the floor of the House. The suspension, which will last for the remainder of the session, underscores the escalating tensions in Parliament.
Details of the Suspended Members
The suspended individuals comprise seven Congress MPs and one CPI(M) leader. The Congress members are Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Prasant Padole, Kiren Kumar Reddy, and Manickam Tagore. The CPI(M) representative is S Venkatesan. Their suspension was formally announced after being named by the Chair for disruptive actions.
Chronology of Events Leading to Suspension
The incident unfolded when the House reassembled at 3 pm on Tuesday. Dilip Saikia, who was presiding over the session, identified the eight members for their behavior. Saikia stated, "These members were shouting slogans and tearing up papers on the floor of the House, so I am naming them all." This naming was followed by a resolution moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, citing their "misconduct" and "utter disregard to the House and authority of the chair through reaching the table of the Secretary General and other officers in the Well of the House and throwing papers on the Chair."
Rijiju invoked Rule 374 (2) of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure, which grants the Speaker the authority to suspend members for disorderly conduct. He declared, "Having been named by the Chair resolved that the above-mentioned members shall be suspended from the service of the House for the remainder of this session under Rule 374 (2)." Subsequently, Saikia adjourned the House for the day, marking a premature end to the day's proceedings.
Background of the Disruption
Earlier in the day, when the House reconvened at 2 pm, Opposition members had protested after the Chair called another member to speak while Rahul Gandhi was attempting to make remarks on national security, referencing a magazine article. This led to an uproar, prompting Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the Chair at that time, to adjourn the House until 3 pm. The suspension later in the afternoon was a direct consequence of the continued disruptions following this adjournment.
The suspension of these eight MPs highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining decorum during parliamentary sessions, particularly in the context of heated debates and political disagreements. It raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and parliamentary discipline in India's democratic framework.
