Q. With reference to the suspension of Members of Parliament, consider the following statements:
1.Four months is the maximum period for which an MP can be suspended.
2.The presiding officers can direct an MP to withdraw from the House for any disorderly conduct.
3.The Constitution empowers courts to intervene in the procedural functioning of legislatures.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. The maximum period for which an MP can be suspended is the remainder of the current session of Parliament. While the Constitution does provide for judicial review and gives courts the authority to interpret the Constitution and laws, it does not specifically empower courts to intervene in the procedural functioning of legislatures. Article 122 of the Constitution says parliamentary proceedings cannot be questioned before a court.
Statement 2 is correct. Both the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha have the authority to direct an MP to withdraw from the House for any disorderly conduct that disrupts the proceedings. This is a temporary measure to restore order in the House.
Source: Forum IAS
