Suspension of a Member of Parliament
MPs can be suspended for misconduct by the presiding officer, usually through a motion passed by the House, to maintain order and dignity of the legislative ...
Lok Sabha suspends TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee for using ‘unsavoury’ language against women MPs
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session for using "unsavoury" language against women members. The suspension followed a complaint to the Speaker, a resolution moved by a Union Minister, and a voice vote in the House. The incident occurred after a heated exchange between Banerjee and members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), who are former TMC MPs now allied with the NDA.
Syllabus mapping
Mains syllabus topics
Indian Culture Art Architecture
Modern Indian History
Indian Society Diversity
Globalization Indian Society
Indian Constitution
Prelims takeaways
- The power to suspend a Member of Parliament (MP) rests with the House, typically through a resolution.
- The Speaker/Chair plays a role in referring complaints and overseeing the process, but the final decision is by the House.
- Suspension is a disciplinary action for disorderly conduct or breach of privilege, distinct from disqualification.
- The duration of suspension can be for a specified period or the remainder of the session.
- MPs are expected to adhere to rules of conduct and decorum within the parliamentary precincts.
Elimination traps
- Confusing suspension of an MP with disqualification of an MP.
- Assuming the Speaker has unilateral power to suspend an MP without a House resolution.
- Misunderstanding the grounds or duration for which an MP can be suspended.
Static concepts
- Parliamentary privileges
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha
- Disciplinary powers of the Speaker/House
- Suspension of Members of Parliament
Probable question areas
Question areas
- Powers of the Speaker of Lok Sabha regarding disciplinary actions against MPs.
Question areas
- Procedure for suspension of a Member of Parliament from either House.
Question areas
- Distinction between suspension and disqualification of an MP and their respective implications.
UPSC concepts in this story
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements :
1. As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix.
2. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate, as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party.
3. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings.
4. The well established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct: The date of election of the Deputy Speaker is fixed by the Speaker. On the other hand date of election of the Speaker is fixed by the President. Statement 2 is incorrect: There is no mandatory provision that the election of a candidate, as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party. It is only by convention that the position of Deputy Speaker is offered to the opposition party in India. Statement 3 is correct: In case of the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha and conducts the business in the house. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House. Statement 4 is incorrect: The Deputy Speaker is also elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members right after the election of the Speaker has taken place. There is no provision and or established practice of moving the motion for his election by the speaker and it is seconded by the prime minister.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct?
1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee.
2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha.
3. This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 3 only
* Statement 1: Correct: The Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha was initially an ad-hoc committee formed in 1952. It became a standing committee in 1997. * Statement 2: Incorrect: Any person can make a complaint to the Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha against a Member of Parliament for unethical conduct. It doesn't necessarily have to be another Member of Parliament. * Statement 3: Correct: The Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha cannot take up any matter that is sub-judice, meaning a matter that is currently under consideration by a court or other judicial authority. _Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct._
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements :
While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration
1. He/She shall not preside.
2. He/She shall not have the right to speak.
3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Under Article 96(1), the Speaker cannot preside over the House while a resolution for their removal is active, even if they are present. Statement 2 is incorrect: Under Article 96(2), the Speaker maintains the right to speak and participate in the proceedings of the House during the consideration of the removal resolution. Statement 3 is incorrect: According to Article 96(2), the Speaker is entitled to vote only in the first instance. They do not have a "casting vote" (the vote used to break a tie/second instance) in this specific scenario.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct: The Constitution does not mention No-Confidence Motion. Rather, Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Lok Sabha specifies the procedure for moving a no-confidence motion. Statement 2 is correct: A no-confidence motion can be moved by any member of the House. It can be moved only in the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha. The member has to give a written notice of the motion before 10 am, which will be read out by the Speaker in the House. A minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion, and accordingly, the Speaker will announce the date for discussion of the motion.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament?
1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.
3. The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.
4. Amendments to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1, 2 and 3
* Article 109 of the Indian Constitution specifically deals with the special procedure for Money Bills. (Correct) * Article 109(1) states that a Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). It can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (House of the People). (Correct) * Article 109(5) states that the Rajya Sabha can't reject a Money Bill. It can only make recommendations within 14 days, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept. (Correct) * The Lok Sabha has the ultimate power regarding Money Bills. It is not bound to accept any amendments suggested by the Rajya Sabha. (Incorrect) Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Separation Of Powers & Constitutional Ideals
Consider the following statements: Attorney General of India can
1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
3. speak in the Lok Sabha
4. vote in the Lok Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2 and 3
According to Article 88 of the Constitution every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of either House, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member, but shall not by virtue of this article be entitled to vote.
Indian Polity & Governance
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Parliamentary System & Procedures
With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 1 and 2
* Statement 1: Correct. When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, any bill pending in the Lok Sabha automatically lapses. This is because the dissolution of the Lok Sabha ends its session, and all legislative business in progress becomes void. * Statement 2: Correct. If a bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha but is pending in the Rajya Sabha, it lapses upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. This is true even if the Rajya Sabha has not yet acted on the bill. * Statement 3: Incorrect. A bill regarding which the President has notified a joint sitting will not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. It can be taken up in the next session after the Lok Sabha is reconstituted. A joint sitting is called only when there is a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Consider the following statements :
1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party.
2. In the Lok Sabha, a "Leader of the Opposition" was recognised for the first time in 1969.
3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was not the Swatantra Party but the Communist Party of India. Statement 2 is correct. In the Lok Sabha, a "Leader of the Opposition" was indeed recognized for the first time in 1969. Statement 3 is incorrect. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition. The requirement is not 75 members but 10% of the total strength of the house, which is 55 members. So, only statement 2 is correct.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
3. To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given ' below:
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only
* Statement 1 is incorrect: If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or of any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion, he may, by Proclamation, make a declaration to that effect in respect of the whole of India or of such part of the territory. * Statement 2 is correct: According to Article 75 of the Indian constitution, the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. It means that the ministry stays in office so long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha. * Statement 3 is incorrect: When a President is to be impeached for violation of the Constitution, the charge shall be preferred by either House of Parliament.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Executive & Council Of Ministers
Consider the following statements about the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the Parliament of India:
1. Although members of this Committee are elected from both Houses of Parliament, the Chairperson of this Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. Twenty members are elected by the Rajya Sabha and ten members by the Lok Sabha.
3. No Minister, except for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, is eligible to be a member of this Committee.
4. Members are elected for a fixed term of two years from the date they enter their office.
Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct ?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. There is no correct statement.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Chairperson of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from amongst its members, not by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Committee consists of 30 members, out of which 20 are elected by the Lok Sabha and 10 are elected by the Rajya Sabha, not the other way around. Statement 3 is Incorrect: A Minister is strictly ineligible to be elected as a member of this Committee. If a member is appointed as a Minister after their election, they immediately cease to be a member of the Committee. There is no exception for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment or any other minister. Statement 4 is Incorrect: The term of office of the members of the Committee does not exceed one year, not two years. It is reconstituted annually like other major standing parliamentary committees (e.g., Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee). Since all the statements are incorrect, there is no correct statement. Therefore, the correct option is D.
Indian Polity & Governance
Parliamentary System & Procedures
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.
Indian Constitution — evolution, features, amendments, basic structure
Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries
Executive, Judiciary and pressure groups
View Mains PYQ
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.
Indian Constitution — evolution, features, amendments, basic structure
Parliament and State legislatures
View Mains PYQ
Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
View Mains PYQ
In the context of the recent suspension of an MP from the Lok Sabha, which of the following steps is NOT explicitly mentioned as part of the procedure followed for the suspension in the provided article?
Explanation
The article explicitly mentions a complaint to the Speaker, a resolution moved by a Union Minister, and a voice vote. It does not mention a prior inquiry by the Privileges Committee as part of the immediate suspension procedure.
As per the article, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was suspended from the Lok Sabha for which of the following durations?
Explanation
The article states that Kalyan Banerjee was suspended 'for the remainder of the Monsoon session'.
Regarding the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) mentioned in the article, which of the following statements is correct?
Explanation
The article states that '20 Trinamool Congress MPs revolted against the party leadership... and joined the NCPI' and that 'The NCPI MPs also expressed their allegiance to the ruling NDA'.
The recent suspension of an MP from the Lok Sabha for using 'unsavoury' language highlights critical issues concerning parliamentary decorum and the powers of the presiding officer. Discuss the procedural aspects of suspending a Member of Parliament and evaluate the challenges in maintaining dignity and discipline within legislative bodies.
Approach: Structure the answer by first outlining the procedural powers for suspension, then discussing the challenges to parliamentary decorum, and finally suggesting measures for improvement.
Model Answer Framework
Introduction
The suspension of an MP underscores the importance of parliamentary decorum and the Speaker's role in upholding the dignity of the House, reflecting the need for robust mechanisms to ensure disciplined legislative functioning.
Key Answer Dimensions
Procedural Aspects of MP Suspension
- **Rules of Procedure:** Lok Sabha Rules 373 (withdrawal of member), 374 (suspension for grave disorder), and 374A (automatic suspension for grave disorder) empower the Speaker.
- **Speaker's Authority:** The Speaker can direct a member to withdraw or 'name' a member for persistent disregard of rules or obstruction.
- **Resolution by House:** If named, a motion is typically moved by a minister to suspend the member, which is then put to a voice vote or division.
- **Duration:** Suspension can be for a specific period, often the remainder of the session, as exemplified in the article.
Challenges in Maintaining Parliamentary Decorum
- **Political Polarization:** Increased partisan politics often leads to disruptions, sloganeering, and unparliamentary conduct.
- **Freedom of Speech vs. Discipline:** Balancing the right of MPs to express dissent with the imperative for orderly debate and legislative business.
- **Misuse of Language:** Instances of derogatory or 'unsavoury' language, particularly against women members, undermine the institution's dignity.
- **Frequent Disruptions:** Persistent adjournments and walkouts impede legislative productivity and erode public trust in democratic processes.
- **Role of Presiding Officers:** Challenges in impartially enforcing rules amidst intense political pressure and maintaining neutrality.
Impact on Legislative Functioning and Public Trust
- **Loss of Productive Time:** Disruptions lead to wasted taxpayer money and a backlog of critical legislation.
- **Erosion of Public Trust:** Undignified conduct diminishes the image and credibility of democratic institutions.
- **Weakening of Deliberative Democracy:** Important debates are curtailed, affecting the quality of policy-making and oversight.
Data, Articles & Case Studies
Article 105 of the Constitution outlines the powers, privileges, etc., of members of Parliament.
Recent instances of mass suspensions of MPs for unruly behaviour highlight the ongoing challenge.
Reports by PRS Legislative Research often detail declining parliamentary productivity due to disruptions.
Recommendations by the Ethics Committee and various parliamentary reform commissions on conduct.
Conclusion / Way Forward
Upholding parliamentary decorum is crucial for the effective functioning of democracy. A combination of strict enforcement of rules, fostering a culture of mutual respect, and encouraging constructive debate is essential to restore the dignity and productivity of legislative bodies.
The use of 'unsavoury' language against women MPs, as highlighted in the article, reflects deeper issues within India's political culture. Analyze the implications of such conduct on gender representation and participation in politics, and suggest measures to foster a more inclusive and respectful political environment.
Approach: Begin by acknowledging the issue, then discuss its implications for women in politics, and finally propose concrete measures for improvement.
Model Answer Framework
Introduction
The incident of an MP using 'unsavoury' language against women members underscores the persistent challenges of gender insensitivity in Indian politics, impacting the participation and representation of women in legislative bodies.
Key Answer Dimensions
Implications on Gender Representation and Participation
- **Discourages Women's Entry:** Such incidents create a hostile and unwelcoming environment, deterring potential women leaders from entering politics.
- **Normalizes Misogyny:** Unchecked derogatory language can normalize misogynistic attitudes and gender-based discrimination within political discourse and public perception.
- **Undermines Authority:** It can undermine the authority, credibility, and effectiveness of women MPs, regardless of their political acumen or contributions.
- **Focus Shifts from Issues:** Attention is often diverted from substantive policy debates and legislative work to personal attacks and misconduct, sidelining critical issues.
- **Impact on Public Perception:** Reinforces negative stereotypes about women in leadership roles, hindering societal progress towards gender equality.
Factors Contributing to Such Conduct
- **Patriarchal Mindset:** Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes prevalent in society often manifest in political behaviour and language.
- **Lack of Accountability:** Inadequate or inconsistent disciplinary actions against offenders can embolden them and perpetuate such behaviour.
- **Political Rivalry:** Intense political competition sometimes leads to personal attacks, which disproportionately target women politicians.
- **Absence of Gender Sensitization:** Lack of mandatory training or awareness programs for elected representatives on respectful communication and gender equality.
Measures to Foster an Inclusive and Respectful Political Environment
- **Strict Enforcement of Rules:** Presiding officers must consistently and impartially apply parliamentary rules against unparliamentary and derogatory language.
- **Gender Sensitization Programs:** Mandatory workshops and training for MPs and political party members on respectful communication and gender sensitivity.
- **Internal Party Mechanisms:** Political parties should establish robust internal codes of conduct, grievance redressal mechanisms, and disciplinary actions against members engaging in such behaviour.
- **Increased Women's Representation:** Higher numbers of women MPs can gradually shift the political culture, making it more inclusive and respectful.
- **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Educating the public on the importance of respectful political discourse and holding elected representatives accountable for their conduct.
Data, Articles & Case Studies
Low representation of women in Indian Parliament (e.g., ~15% in Lok Sabha) compared to global averages.
Article 51A(e) of the Constitution mandates a Fundamental Duty to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
Reports by UN Women or similar bodies often highlight challenges faced by women politicians globally.
Examples of countries with strong codes of conduct for public representatives and gender-sensitive parliamentary practices.
Conclusion / Way Forward
Addressing the use of derogatory language against women MPs requires a multi-pronged approach involving stringent parliamentary rules, proactive gender sensitization, and a collective commitment from political parties to cultivate a truly inclusive and respectful political culture.