What Happened
- Eight opposition Members of Parliament — seven from the Congress and one from the CPI(M) — were suspended from the Lok Sabha on February 3, 2026, during the Budget Session, for "unruly behaviour" including throwing papers towards the Chair.
- The incident arose during a dispute over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's demand for a specific reference in proceedings regarding the 2020 India-China border clashes.
- The MPs suspended were: Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, C. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Prashant Padole, Dean Kuriakose (all Congress), and S. Venkatesan (CPI-M).
- The suspension barred them from attending the remainder of the Budget Session.
- Opposition leaders subsequently approached both the government and the Lok Sabha Speaker to revoke the suspension; the suspension was eventually revoked on March 17, 2026, after the Congress leadership expressed "regret" and all-party agreement was reached on conduct norms.
Static Topic Bridges
Rules 373, 374, and 374A: Suspension of Lok Sabha Members
The Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business contain specific provisions governing the Speaker's power to maintain order and suspend members. These are among the most UPSC-tested procedural rules.
- Rule 373: If a member's conduct is grossly disorderly, the Speaker may direct them to withdraw immediately from the House for the remainder of the day's sitting (one-day expulsion, not full suspension)
- Rule 374: If a member disregards the authority of the Chair or persistently and wilfully obstructs House business, the Speaker may name that member. Once named, the House may move a motion to suspend the member for the remainder of the session
- Rule 374A: In cases of grave disorder — a member entering the well of the House, shouting slogans, or abusing rules persistently — the named member is automatically suspended for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session (whichever is less). No motion is required under Rule 374A
- Key difference: Rule 374 requires a House motion; Rule 374A results in automatic suspension on naming
- Maximum duration: Suspension cannot exceed the remainder of the current session
- Reinstatement: The House can, by motion at any time, revoke a suspension — this is what happened on March 17 through a motion by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs
Connection to this news: The suspensions were effected under these rules for conduct that disrupted proceedings. The revocation followed a formal expression of regret and agreement on future conduct — consistent with standard practice where the House's power to revoke mirrors its power to impose suspension.
The Lok Sabha Speaker: Powers and Constitutional Position
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the constitutional presiding officer of the lower house, elected by members from among themselves. The Speaker's powers in maintaining order are final and non-justiciable within the precincts of parliamentary proceedings.
- Article 93: The Lok Sabha shall choose two members to be the Speaker and Deputy Speaker as soon as may be
- Article 94: Speaker holds office until dissolution of Lok Sabha; may be removed by resolution passed by effective majority (majority of all members at that time) — 14 days' notice required
- Article 95: Deputy Speaker performs duties of the Speaker during absence
- Article 96: Speaker shall not vote in the first instance but exercises a casting vote in case of a tie
- Article 105(2): No proceedings of Parliament are subject to jurisdiction of any court — this includes the Speaker's rulings within the House
- Article 122: Courts cannot inquire into regularity of parliamentary proceedings, validity of votes recorded, etc.
- The Speaker's power to maintain order is unappealable in courts — members' only recourse is the House itself (through a revocation motion)
Connection to this news: The opposition MPs' recourse was to approach the Speaker (not courts) for revocation — consistent with Articles 105 and 122 which insulate parliamentary proceedings from judicial review.
Parliament Sessions: Budget Session, Zero Hour, and Adjournment
The Budget Session is the most important parliamentary session, held roughly February–May, split into two parts (with a recess for Standing Committees to examine the Budget). It is during this session that the Union Budget is presented and the Appropriation Bills and Finance Bill are passed.
- Sessions: No constitutional provision fixes the number or dates of sessions; this is governed by Article 85(1) — President summons Parliament; gap between sessions ≤ 6 months
- Budget Session: Typically February to May; the Finance Bill and Appropriation Bill must pass before April 1 (start of new financial year)
- Zero Hour (12:00 PM): Immediately after Question Hour; members raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice — purely a convention, not in Rules
- Adjournment Motion: Moved to draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance; if admitted, the day's business is suspended to debate the matter. Highly controversial as it displaces scheduled business
- Quorum: Article 100(3) — one-tenth of the total membership of each House (i.e., 55 for Lok Sabha)
- Disorder during House proceedings — when the House is adjourned due to disorder, it is technically "suspended" (not the members); member suspension (Rules 374/374A) is a distinct disciplinary action
Connection to this news: The Budget Session context is directly relevant — a suspension during a critical session when budget-related legislation is being debated carries higher political stakes, as suspended members cannot participate in proceedings on financial bills.
Parliamentary Privileges: Article 105
Parliamentary privileges are special rights, immunities, and exemptions enjoyed by Parliament, its committees, and members, collectively and individually, to enable them to discharge their functions effectively without impediment.
- Article 105(1): Freedom of speech in Parliament; no member is liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given in Parliament
- Article 105(2): No member shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of publication of any report, paper, votes, or proceedings under the authority of the House
- Article 105(3): Powers, privileges, and immunities of each House and its members and committees shall be such as defined by Parliament from time to time; until defined, those of the House of Commons of the UK as of January 26, 1950
- Suspension ≠ loss of membership: A suspended MP retains their seat and salary during suspension; they are merely barred from attending proceedings of the House
- Privilege Motion: Any member can raise a question of breach of privilege against any person (including a minister or press member); referred to the Committee of Privileges
Connection to this news: The suspended MPs retain full membership status and all privileges outside the House. Their suspension was a disciplinary measure under the Rules of Procedure — not a disqualification. The revocation restored their right to participate in House proceedings.
Key Facts & Data
- MPs suspended: 7 Congress (Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, C. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Prashant Padole, Dean Kuriakose) + 1 CPI(M) (S. Venkatesan)
- Date of suspension: February 3, 2026 (Budget Session)
- Reason: Throwing papers towards the Chair; disrupting proceedings over demand for specific reference to 2020 India-China clashes
- Duration: Remainder of Budget Session
- Revocation date: March 17, 2026 — after Congress leadership expressed regret; motion moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju
- Rule invoked: Rules 374/374A of Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure
- Reinstatement condition: No member shall approach the opposite side in the Well, tear papers or throw them towards the Chair, or climb on officials' table
- Article 122: Courts cannot inquire into parliamentary proceedings — no judicial remedy available to suspended MPs
- Maximum suspension period under rules: Remainder of the session (cannot extend into next session)