Edited by Deepali Verma
The Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked suspension of 11 Opposition MPs on January 30. The suspension was carried out over the alleged breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States by the Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee.
The committee reports suggested that the period of suspension already suffered by the members be treated as “sufficient punishment” for the transgression.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha committees made recommendations regarding the withdrawal of their suspension after the suspended MPs showed regret for their conduct over the course of the Winter session when their relentless protests prompted the Chairs to take action.
The 11 Members of Parliament held “guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council” of States such as Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Santosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim.
Chairman employed his authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension. Once their suspension was revoked, the opposition MPs would be able to attend the special address by the president.
The suspension of the 11 MPs was done by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament. Their suspension matter was further referred to the Privileges Committee.
In total, 146 opposition MPs, 100 in Lok Sabha and 46 in Rajya Sabha, were suspended for fetching placards into the chambers and frequently disrupting the parliamentary proceedings.
Together, both the houses of the parliament suspended the MPs for the remainder of the Winter session, which concluded on December 21. The remaining 14 MPs had their cases referred to the respective privilege committee because the transgressions by these MPs were considered more serious.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, in conversation with the reporters, said, “Everybody’s suspension will be withdrawn as we have put in a request with the Speaker and the Chairperson on behalf of the government, and they have agreed.”
