• India
  • Sep 22

8 Rajya Sabha MPs suspended under Rule 256(2)

Eight opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha were suspended on September 21 under Rule 256(2) for “unruly behaviour” during the passage of two agriculture sector reform Bills. 

A motion for the suspension of the eight leaders — Rajeev Satav, Syed Nasir Hussain and Ripun Bora (Congress), Dola Sen and Derek O’Brien (TMC), K.K. Ragesh and Elamaram Kareen (CPM) and Sanjay Singh (AAP) — was moved by the government and approved by a voice vote in the House.

How can an MP be suspended in Rajya Sabha?

According to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha, action can be taken against a member under following sections. 

Rule 255 - Withdrawal of a member

The Chairman may direct any member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately from the Council and any member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall absent himself during the remainder of the day’s meeting.

Rule 256 - Suspension of member

(1) The Chairman may, if he deems it necessary, name a member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the Council by persistently and willfully obstructing the business thereof.

(2) If a member is so named by the Chairman he shall forthwith put the question on a motion being made, no amendment, adjournment or debate being allowed, that the member (naming him) be suspended from the service of the Council for a period not exceeding the remainder of the Session. 

Provided that the Council may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated.

(3) A member suspended under this rule shall forthwith quit the precincts of the Council. 

What is the procedure in Lok Sabha?

The procedure for taking action against an MP is almost similar in Lok Sabha under General Rules of Procedure.

Rule 373 - Withdrawal of member

The Speaker, if is of the opinion that the conduct of any member is grossly disorderly, may direct such member to withdraw immediately from the House, and any member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall remain absent during the remainder of the day’s sitting.

Rule 374 - Suspension of member

(1) The Speaker may, if deems it necessary, name a member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the House by persistently and wilfully obstructing the business thereof. 

(2) If a member is so named by the Speaker, the Speaker shall, on a motion being made forthwith put the question that the member (naming such member) be suspended from the service of the House for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session.

Provided that the House may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated.

(3) A member suspended under this rule shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the House.

In Lok Sabha, there is a provision for automatic suspension of a member under Rule 374A.

It states that: 

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 373 and 374, in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the Well of the House or abusing the Rules of the House persistently and wilfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, such member shall, on being named by the Speaker, stand automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less. 

Provided that the House may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated. 

(2) On the Speaker announcing the suspension under this rule, the member shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the House.

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