Explained: How and when MPs are suspended

What is the news?

An uproar has been seen in both the Houses of Parliament because of the Pegasus controversy and bill repealing the farm laws without any discussion. This led to the suspension of 12 Rajya Sabha MPs for the remainder of the session.

The reason for their suspension was “their unprecedented acts of misconduct, contemptuous, unruly and violent behaviour and intentional attacks on security personnel.

Which rules do LS and RS members follow for maintaining the decorum of the house?

1) To not interrupt the speech of others 2) Maintain silence and not obstruct proceedings by hissing or making running commentaries during debates 3) Not to shout slogans, display placards, tear up documents in protest, and play a cassette or a tape recorder in the House.

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

The Presiding officer can suspend any MP for disorderly conduct. The MP then has to remain absent from the proceedings of the House for the remainder of the day.

In case of “persistently and wilfully obstructing the business” of the House, 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.

A new rule, 374A, has been added in 2001, which empowers Speaker to automatically suspend an MP for a maximum of five days for disrupting the business of the House. In 2015, the Speaker used this rule for suspending 25 MPs.

What should government do to solve the problem of disruption?

Debate is central to democracy. Therefore, there should be more debate and fewer disruptions.

There is a need for cordial and respectful relations between the Opposition and ruling parties.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: How and when MPs are suspended” published in Indian Express on 30th November 2021.