Recently, 141 Members of Parliament (MPs) found themselves suspended—95 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha—following a spirited disagreement over the opposition’s plea for a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach.
Responding promptly, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a circular outlining the consequences of the suspension. The circular restricts the entry of suspended MPs into the Parliament chamber, lobby, and galleries. Moreover, they are barred from participating in the proceedings of Parliamentary Committees to which they belong, with their names absent from the business list.
Throughout their suspension, the MPs are prohibited from submitting notices, participating in committee elections, and claiming daily allowances. The circular clarified that if suspended for the remainder of the session, they won’t receive daily allowances, as their stay during suspension is not considered official duty residence under the law.
The suspension, causing dissatisfaction, prompted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to declare a nationwide protest scheduled for December 22. Kharge underscored the united opposition’s stance against what they perceive as an undemocratic decision. He emphasized the persistent demand for Union Minister Amit Shah or PM Modi to address the Parliament about the security breach, a call that has gone unanswered.
As tensions escalate and the opposition unites against the suspension, the unfolding parliamentary drama raises important questions about the delicate balance between disciplinary actions and democratic rights within the Indian political landscape.