This decision has been taken after the presentation of a resolution by the government under Rule 256 on the procedure and conduct of business of the Rajya Sabha. This rule provides for the suspension of a member from the Parliament.
- This rule has been used 13 times in the past to suspend 26 members (some several times) since 1962.
- According to Rule 256, the Chairman may, if he considers necessary, suspend a member who disregards the authority of the Chairman or who repeatedly and knowingly abuses the rules of the Rajya Sabha by obstructing the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.
- The member so nominated may be suspended for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session.
- The Rajya Sabha may, at any time when a motion is made, pass a resolution abolishing such suspension.
- In addition, the Prime Minister had called for ‘quality debate’ in Parliament to improve the standards of parliamentary scrutiny.
Key issues highlighted include:
- Short duration of parliamentary session has become a trend.
- Inadequate scrutiny of laws by the legislature (the government passed 15 bills in 10 minutes in the last session).
Source – The Hindu
