In a significant development a day before the commencement of the Budget session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has lifted the suspension of 11 Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs). These MPs were initially suspended by the Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee for being found guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States.
The committee’s report recommended that the suspension period already endured by the members should be deemed as a satisfactory punishment for their transgressions. This decision comes after the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha committees suggested withdrawal of the suspension, considering the expressed regret by the suspended MPs for their conduct during the Winter session.
The suspended MPs include 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.
The Chairman, utilizing his authority under the rules of procedure, has chosen to revoke their suspension. This move allows the opposition MPs to participate in the special address by the President.
During the Winter session, the Chairman had suspended a total of 11 MPs, referring their suspension matter to the Privileges Committee. A combined total of 146 opposition MPs—100 in Lok Sabha and 46 in Rajya Sabha—had faced suspension for bringing placards into the chambers and consistently disrupting parliamentary proceedings. The suspension spanned for the remainder of the Winter session, concluding on December 21.
Pralhad Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, informed reporters on Tuesday that the suspension of all MPs would be withdrawn. The government made the request to the Speaker and Chairperson, both of whom have given their agreement to the withdrawal.
This development marks a crucial step in resolving the suspension issue and sets the stage for a more inclusive and participative Budget session.
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