4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Parliament Disruptions: Eight MPs Suspended Amid Speech Controversy

Eight MPs suspended from Lok Sabha after protests over Rahul Gandhi's speech.

Photo by Marcin Nowak

Eight Opposition MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Budget Session. The suspension occurred after protests regarding Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak on former Army chief General Manoj Naravane's memoir. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved a resolution to suspend the MPs for showing "disrespect" to the Chair.

The suspended MPs include seven from the Congress and one from the CPI(M). Rahul Gandhi protested outside Parliament and wrote to the Speaker, calling the situation a "blot on our democracy". The Budget Session is scheduled to end on April 2.

Key Facts

MPs suspended: 8

Reason: Disruption over Rahul Gandhi's speech

Session end date: April 2

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 - Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Connects to the syllabus by highlighting the functioning of Parliament, the powers of the Speaker, and issues related to parliamentary disruptions.

Potential question types include statement-based questions on parliamentary procedures, the role of the Speaker, and the constitutional provisions related to parliamentary privileges.

Visual Insights

Parliamentary Disruptions and Suspensions: A Recent History

Timeline of significant events related to parliamentary disruptions and MP suspensions in India, leading up to the current incident.

Parliamentary disruptions and suspensions have been a recurring feature of Indian politics, often reflecting deep divisions and disagreements between the government and the opposition.

2010Walkout by opposition parties over price rise.
2015Disruptions over the Lalit Modi controversy.
2016Suspension of MPs for unruly behavior during debates.
2020Opposition protests against farm bills lead to disruptions.
2023Frequent disruptions during the Budget Session over Adani-Hindenburg report.
2026Suspension of eight MPs for protesting Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak on General Naravane's memoir.

More Information

Background

Parliamentary procedures in India have evolved significantly since independence. The rules governing the conduct of Members of Parliament are primarily derived from the Constitution of India, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, and conventions. These rules are designed to ensure orderly conduct and to maintain the dignity of the House. The power to suspend a Member of Parliament rests with the Presiding Officer, typically the Speaker in the Lok Sabha or the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha. This power is exercised when a member's conduct is deemed grossly disorderly or violates the rules of the House. The suspension is usually proposed through a motion moved by the government or any member with the Speaker's permission. The duration of suspension can vary, ranging from a few days to the remainder of the session, depending on the severity of the misconduct. The process of suspension is governed by Article 105, which deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. Historically, suspensions have been invoked for various reasons, including unruly behavior, disrupting proceedings, and defying the Chair. The specific rules and procedures for suspension are outlined in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. These rules provide a framework for maintaining order and decorum in the House, ensuring that parliamentary debates and discussions can proceed effectively. The interpretation and application of these rules are ultimately the responsibility of the Presiding Officer, whose decisions are subject to review and scrutiny.

Latest Developments

Recent parliamentary sessions have witnessed increased disruptions and subsequent suspensions of members. This trend reflects growing political polarization and a more assertive opposition. The use of suspension as a tool to maintain order has been debated, with some arguing that it stifles dissent and undermines parliamentary democracy. The role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in managing disruptions and ensuring fair debate has come under scrutiny. Several committees and legal experts have examined the rules and procedures related to suspension, suggesting reforms to balance the need for order with the rights of members to express their views. The effectiveness of suspension as a deterrent to disruptive behavior is also being questioned, with some arguing that it can further escalate tensions and lead to more frequent disruptions. The current situation highlights the need for a comprehensive review of parliamentary rules and procedures to address the challenges posed by increasing political polarization. Looking ahead, there is a growing consensus on the need for greater dialogue and consensus-building among political parties to reduce disruptions and improve the functioning of Parliament. The role of parliamentary committees in fostering cross-party cooperation and finding common ground on contentious issues is also being emphasized. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Parliament remains an effective forum for debate and decision-making, reflecting the diverse views and interests of the Indian people.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the recent Parliament disruptions and MP suspensions that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For UPSC Prelims, remember that eight MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha. The reason for suspension was disruption related to Rahul Gandhi's speech. The Budget Session is scheduled to end on April 2.

Exam Tip

Focus on the number of MPs suspended and the reason for the suspension. Knowing the session end date is also helpful.

2. What is the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in handling disruptions and suspending MPs?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the House. They have the power to name and suspend members who disrupt proceedings, as per the Rules of Procedure. Recent developments suggest the Speaker's role in managing disruptions is under increased scrutiny.

Exam Tip

Understand that the Speaker's power is derived from the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

3. Why is the suspension of MPs after parliamentary disruptions a recurring issue in Indian politics?

The suspension of MPs is in news recently due to increased disruptions in parliamentary sessions, reflecting growing political polarization. The use of suspension is debated, with some arguing it stifles dissent. Recent parliamentary sessions have witnessed increased disruptions and subsequent suspensions of members.

Exam Tip

Consider the political context and the arguments for and against the use of suspension as a disciplinary measure.

4. What are the potential implications of frequent disruptions and suspensions on the functioning of the Parliament and Indian democracy?

Frequent disruptions and suspensions can undermine the effectiveness of Parliament by hindering legislative business and reducing accountability. Some argue that it stifles dissent and undermines parliamentary democracy. Rahul Gandhi called the situation a "blot on our democracy".

Exam Tip

Consider how disruptions impact the legislative process and the representation of citizens' voices.

5. What is the role of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and how does it relate to the suspension of MPs?

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister plays a crucial role in coordinating government business in Parliament. In this case, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved a resolution to suspend the MPs. The Minister's role involves managing the government's legislative agenda and ensuring smooth functioning of the House.

Exam Tip

Note that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister is responsible for moving resolutions related to the conduct of House business.

6. What important dates and personalities are associated with the recent Parliament disruptions and MP suspensions?

Key personalities include Rahul Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju, and Om Birla (Speaker of the Lok Sabha). The Budget Session is scheduled to end on April 2. The number of MPs suspended is 8.

Exam Tip

Remember the names of key figures involved and the session end date for factual recall questions.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the suspension of Members of Parliament: 1. The power to suspend a Member of Parliament rests solely with the Prime Minister. 2. The suspension is usually proposed through a motion moved by the government or any member with the Speaker's permission. 3. Article 105 deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2, and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The power to suspend a Member of Parliament rests with the Presiding Officer, typically the Speaker in the Lok Sabha or the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha, NOT the Prime Minister. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The suspension is usually proposed through a motion moved by the government or any member with the Speaker's permission. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Article 105 deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members.

2. In the context of recent parliamentary disruptions, which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

A.The Speaker has the power to maintain order and decorum in the House.
B.The Speaker can direct a member to withdraw from the House for disorderly conduct.
C.The Speaker's decisions are not subject to review or scrutiny.
D.The Speaker can suspend a member for violating the rules of the House.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is INCORRECT: The Speaker's decisions are subject to review and scrutiny, although the scope for judicial review is limited. The other options are correct as they describe the powers of the Speaker to maintain order and decorum in the House, direct a member to withdraw, and suspend a member for violating the rules.

3. Eight MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session 2024. Which of the following is the most accurate reason for their suspension, as per the provided news?

A.Disrupting the Question Hour proceedings.
B.Protests regarding Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak on former Army chief General Manoj Naravane's memoir.
C.Allegations of corruption against the government.
D.Demanding a discussion on price rise.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is the most accurate reason. The eight MPs were suspended after protests regarding Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak on former Army chief General Manoj Naravane's memoir. The other options are plausible reasons for parliamentary disruptions but are not mentioned in the provided news.