Rajya Sabha Members Reiterated to Maintain Good Conduct

Rajya Sabha MPs have received a reminder of Parliamentary traditions and procedures ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, which is set to begin on December 4. The reminder comes just one day after the results of five state elections will be announced, promising a contentious face-off between the ruling BJP and the opposition. Additionally, the likely expulsion of Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, who has been accused of taking bribes, is expected to make headlines.

The notification, issued by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, includes routine reminders for MPs, such as refraining from arguing, shouting, or sloganeering in the House. However, it also contains some significant points regarding the notice of issues to be debated by members.

One key point in the reminder states that a notice for raising a matter in the Council should not be made public until it has been admitted by the Chairman and circulated to members. This reminder comes as several MPs have publicly announced their intention to submit notices to raise important issues in the Upper House. The Lok Sabha has also recently reminded its members of a similar rule.

The Secretariat of the Rajya Sabha has emphasized that discussions on MPs’ queries during the Question Hour are strictly confidential until the question has been asked and answered in the House. Furthermore, if a question is not asked or answered within the given time, the reply cannot be released until the Question Hour concludes.

These reminders follow a dispute involving Mahua Moitra, who provided businessman Darshan Hiranandani with her log-in details for the Parliament’s website. Moitra claimed that there is no rule regulating such actions and that responses to questions become public information when given to MPs. The clarification from the Secretariat aims to clear up any confusion surrounding this issue.

In addition to these reminders, MPs have been urged to maintain the decorum of the House by not sitting with their back to or leaving when the Chair is speaking. They are also instructed not to read out written speeches, with a particular emphasis on new members whose first speeches should not exceed 15 minutes. MPs are required to record their attendance daily, and failure to do so for 60 consecutive days without permission may result in their seat being declared vacant.

Other rules highlighted in the reminder include the ban on smoking in the Parliament or its grounds, as well as the prohibition of filming House proceedings.

As for the upcoming Winter Session, three bills aiming to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Evidence Act will be taken up for consideration. Another significant bill pertains to the appointment of chief election commissioner and election commissioners. Additionally, the report on the “cash-for-query” allegations against Mahua Moitra will be presented in the Lok Sabha. A total of 18 bills have been listed for consideration, discussion, or passing in this session.

Overall, the reminder serves as a comprehensive guide to parliamentary etiquette and procedures, ensuring that MPs are well-informed and prepared for the Winter Session.