The NEET protest has intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders joined students demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. MPs arrived in Parliament wearing black in protest while thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar, calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and sweeping changes to India's entrance examination system. Heavy security remains deployed as political tensions continue to rise.

NEET Protest Intensifies: Opposition MPs wear black, students demand education reforms

<p>The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee on Tuesday held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said.</p>

<p>In its report to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session starts on Wednesday, the committee also recommended that the period of suspension already suffered by the members be treated as “sufficient punishment” for the transgression.</p>

<p>The MPs held “guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council” of States are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Sandosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-sri-lankan-vessel-all-six-crew-members-safe-685213">Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel, all six crew members safe</a></p>

<p>The committee presented the report to Dhankhar, taking note of the situation that the suspended members would not be able to attend the special address of President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament, the first address in the new building of Parliament, on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-murders-friend-after-being-pressed-for-unnatural-sex-detained-from-patna-685208">India: Man murders friend after being pressed for ‘unnatural sex,’ detained from Patna</a></p>

<p>The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-on-india-maldives-ties-685218">Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on India-Maldives ties</a></strong></p>

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<p>The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president.</p>

<p>The matter of 11 MPs suspended by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament were referred to the Privileges Committee.&nbsp;</p>


The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee on Tuesday held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said.

The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee on Tuesday held 11 suspended opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council of States, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar revoked their suspension allowing them to attend the Budget session, sources said. In its report to the Rajya Sabha chairman a day before the session starts on Wednesday, the committee also recommended that the period of suspension already suffered by the members be treated as “sufficient punishment” for the transgression. The MPs held “guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the Council” of States are Jebi Mather Hisham, L Hanumanthaiah, Neeraj Dangi, Rajmani Patel, Kumar Ketkar, G C Chandrashekhar, Binoy Viswam, Sandosh Kumar P, M Mohamed Abdulla, John Brittas and A A Rahim. Also Read | Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel, all six crew members safe The committee presented the report to Dhankhar, taking note of the situation that the suspended members would not be able to attend the special address of President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament, the first address in the new building of Parliament, on Wednesday. Also Read | India: Man murders friend after being pressed for ‘unnatural sex,’ detained from Patna The committee usually submits its recommendations to the House. Watch | Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on India-Maldives ties × The sources said the chairman invoked the authority vested in him under the rules of procedure to revoke their suspension enabling the members to attend the special address by the president. The matter of 11 MPs suspended by the chairman during the Winter session of Parliament were referred to the Privileges Committee.

India: Rajya Sabha chairman revokes suspension of 11 opposition MPs guilty of breach of privilege

146 Opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament for 'unruly behaviour' and 'misconduct'. The government said they had broken rules, opposition leaders have called it a 'murder of democracy'. Vikram Chandra speaks to PDT Achary, a former Lok Sabha Secretary General to understand what the incidents in Parliament this week mean for its future.

Record suspensions in Indian Parliament: Opposition benches empty, key bills passed | India Story

Parliament row | Highest suspensions in a session: 146 MPs suspended from both houses | India Story

What do mass suspensions mean for Parliamentary democracy? | The India Story

Three Congress MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday, taking the total number of suspended Opposition MPs from Parliament to 146. Over 140 Opposition MPs have been suspended since December 14 for causing disruptions to the functioning of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and raising slogans while demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the December 13 Parliament security breach.

Opposition MPs protest suspensions: Opposition demands Home Minister's statement

Parliament row | Opposition MPs protest suspensions: Total number now at 146

Three more MPs suspended from Indian Parliament | Race to Power

Following the latest security breach in the Parliament, three more MPs have been suspended. To date, this is the highest suspension of Opposition MPs. Leaders took to X to criticise opposition leaders' mimicry of the Vice President.

Opposition MPs suspension: Three more Opposition MPs suspended for unruly behaviour in Parliament

<p>Two more Opposition MPs were suspended in Lok Sabha over grounds of misconduct on Wednesday (Dec 20), as the suspension of MPs broke all records and led to a massive row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Till now, a total of 143 Opposition MPs have faced suspension from the two Houses in the last week after they called for a statement from Indian Home Minister Amit Shah over the parliament's security breach which happened last week. In Lok Sabha alone, till now 97 Lok Sabha MPs have been&nbsp;suspended.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/surat-diamond-bourse-meet-the-architects-behind-the-worlds-largest-office-surpassing-us-pentagon-670543">Exclusive: Meet the architects of Surat Diamond Bourse, world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon</a></p>

<p>Kerala Congress (Mani) leader Thomas Chazhikadan and CPI(M) leader A M Ariff were suspended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after a resolution, which was moved by Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, was adopted by the House.</p>

<h2><strong>More than 68 per cent of Opposition MPs are now out of Lok Sabha</strong></h2>

<p>The speaker suspended both the MPs for the rest of the session. Among the 142 Opposition MPs present in Lok Sabha, 97 have faced suspension till now - which is more than 68 per cent.</p>

<p>In Rajya Sabha, with less than 100 Opposition MPs left after multiple suspensions, the government will not face any challenge in that House either.</p>

<p>This also means that now the government can get any legislation passed through the House easily in the next two days as the winter session comes to an end. This will be the last full session before the Lok Sabha elections take place next year.</p>

<p>The Opposition MPs are carrying out protests in the two Houses of Parliament after the Lok Sabha was trespassed by two intruders, who had set off coloured smoke in a security breach.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India's railway staff saves 800 passengers; here's the story</strong></p>

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<p>However, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla has maintained that any security-related incident which takes place inside the House falls under the secretariat's purview and the government cannot intervene.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not given any statement in the House regarding the security breach. However, while speaking to the Indian newspaper Dainik Jagran, the prime minister said that the security breach was a "very serious" incident. He added that an investigation is needed, however, there is "no need for a debate".</p>

<p>Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, criticising the suspension spree, said that, "Democracy has been strangulated". She added that the Opposition MPs had only demanded the home minister's statement on the "extraordinary events" of December 13, when the parliament's security breach happened. "There are no words to describe the arrogance with which this request was treated," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two more Opposition MPs were suspended in Lok Sabha over grounds of misconduct on Wednesday (Dec 20), as the suspension of MPs broke all records and led to a massive row.

Two more Opposition MPs were suspended in Lok Sabha over grounds of misconduct on Wednesday (Dec 20), as the suspension of MPs broke all records and led to a massive row. Till now, a total of 143 Opposition MPs have faced suspension from the two Houses in the last week after they called for a statement from Indian Home Minister Amit Shah over the parliament's security breach which happened last week. In Lok Sabha alone, till now 97 Lok Sabha MPs have been suspended. Also read: Exclusive: Meet the architects of Surat Diamond Bourse, world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon Kerala Congress (Mani) leader Thomas Chazhikadan and CPI(M) leader A M Ariff were suspended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after a resolution, which was moved by Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, was adopted by the House. More than 68 per cent of Opposition MPs are now out of Lok Sabha The speaker suspended both the MPs for the rest of the session. Among the 142 Opposition MPs present in Lok Sabha, 97 have faced suspension till now - which is more than 68 per cent. In Rajya Sabha, with less than 100 Opposition MPs left after multiple suspensions, the government will not face any challenge in that House either. This also means that now the government can get any legislation passed through the House easily in the next two days as the winter session comes to an end. This will be the last full session before the Lok Sabha elections take place next year. The Opposition MPs are carrying out protests in the two Houses of Parliament after the Lok Sabha was trespassed by two intruders, who had set off coloured smoke in a security breach. Watch: India's railway staff saves 800 passengers; here's the story However, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla has maintained that any security-related incident which takes place inside the House falls under the secretariat's purview and the government cannot intervene. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not given any statement in the House regarding the security breach. However, while speaking to the Indian newspaper Dainik Jagran, the prime minister said that the security breach was a "very serious" incident. He added that an investigation is needed, however, there is "no need for a debate". Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, criticising the suspension spree, said that, "Democracy has been strangulated". She added that the Opposition MPs had only demanded the home minister's statement on the "extraordinary events" of December 13, when the parliament's security breach happened. "There are no words to describe the arrogance with which this request was treated," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Two more Opposition MPs suspended from Lok Sabha, count reaches 143 members

<p>In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18). Out of the 78&nbsp;MPs, 11 have been suspended for a day and the for remainder of the winter session for 'unruly behaviour'.</p>

<p>The development has taken place just days after 14 Opposition MPs were suspended. Thirteen of these were from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha. This means that as Monday, the number of suspended MPs stands at 92. The suspended Opposition MPs include those from Lok Sabha (lower house) as well as Rajya Sabha (upper house).</p>

<p>The 33 suspended MPs from Lok Sabha include&nbsp;Adhir Ranjan Chowdury, the leader of the opposition - Indian National Congress -&nbsp;in the house.</p>

<p>Here is a full list of suspended Lok Sabha MPs as reported by ANI:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Winter Session | A total of 33 Opposition MPs, including Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, suspended from the Parliament today for the remainder of the Session. <a href="https://t.co/zbUpeMaHmU">pic.twitter.com/zbUpeMaHmU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1736697768633364985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Opposition MPs had&nbsp;been protesting&nbsp;and demanding&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah to give&nbsp;a statement over a recent parliament security breach.</p>

<p>On December 13, two intruders jumped inside the Lok Sabha from viewing galleries carrying smoke bombs and shouting slogans. They were overpowered by the MPs and later arrested. More arrests have been made in this case. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the security breach 'serious' and has expressed the need for an investigation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Delhi Police Special Cell leading probe into Indian Parliament Security Breach</strong></p>

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<p>In Lok Sabha, the Opposition MPs resorted to sloganeering, demanding answers from BJP and alleging that the government was running away from its parliamentary obligations. The proceedings had to be adjourned twice.</p>

<p>Situation was somewhat similar in the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Despite the disruptions, Rajya Sabha was able to pass the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill and J&amp;K Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-draft-telecom-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-allows-govt-to-take-over-services-over-national-security-670883">India: Draft Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha allows govt to take over services over 'national security'</a></strong></p>

<p>In Lok Sabha, the Post Office Bill was passed.</p>

<h2><strong>'Heights of tyranny'</strong></h2>

<p>The Opposition, especially the Congress, has reacted sharply to the large number of suspensions and has accused PM Narendra Modi-led government of violating democratic norms.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"All leaders, including me, have been suspended. We have been demanding for days to reinstate our MPs who were suspended earlier and that the Home Minister come to the House and give a statement (on Parliament security breach)." Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told news agency ANI</p>

<p>"Today, the government has reached the heights of tyranny."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-high-level-committee-on-one-nation-one-election-to-assess-progress-670843">India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress</a></strong></p>

<p>Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla however, claimed that the MPs were suspended 'to uphold the sanctity of the House.'</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18).

In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18). Out of the 78 MPs, 11 have been suspended for a day and the for remainder of the winter session for 'unruly behaviour'. The development has taken place just days after 14 Opposition MPs were suspended. Thirteen of these were from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha. This means that as Monday, the number of suspended MPs stands at 92. The suspended Opposition MPs include those from Lok Sabha (lower house) as well as Rajya Sabha (upper house). The 33 suspended MPs from Lok Sabha include Adhir Ranjan Chowdury, the leader of the opposition - Indian National Congress - in the house. Here is a full list of suspended Lok Sabha MPs as reported by ANI: Winter Session | A total of 33 Opposition MPs, including Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, suspended from the Parliament today for the remainder of the Session. pic.twitter.com/zbUpeMaHmU — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023 × The Opposition MPs had been protesting and demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah to give a statement over a recent parliament security breach. On December 13, two intruders jumped inside the Lok Sabha from viewing galleries carrying smoke bombs and shouting slogans. They were overpowered by the MPs and later arrested. More arrests have been made in this case. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the security breach 'serious' and has expressed the need for an investigation. Watch | Delhi Police Special Cell leading probe into Indian Parliament Security Breach × In Lok Sabha, the Opposition MPs resorted to sloganeering, demanding answers from BJP and alleging that the government was running away from its parliamentary obligations. The proceedings had to be adjourned twice. Situation was somewhat similar in the Rajya Sabha. Despite the disruptions, Rajya Sabha was able to pass the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill and J&K Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023. Also Read | India: Draft Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha allows govt to take over services over 'national security' In Lok Sabha, the Post Office Bill was passed. 'Heights of tyranny' The Opposition, especially the Congress, has reacted sharply to the large number of suspensions and has accused PM Narendra Modi-led government of violating democratic norms. "All leaders, including me, have been suspended. We have been demanding for days to reinstate our MPs who were suspended earlier and that the Home Minister come to the House and give a statement (on Parliament security breach)." Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told news agency ANI "Today, the government has reached the heights of tyranny." Also Read | India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla however, claimed that the MPs were suspended 'to uphold the sanctity of the House.' (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament: 78 opposition MPs suspended in a single day of winter session

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Despite Opposition members alleging an attack by Rajya Sabha security personnel on Wednesday, CCTV footage of the ruckus emerged on Thursday showing Opposition MPs jostling with marshals in the Upper House.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4">The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded prematurely on Wednesday after security personnel were called in Rajya Sabha after the Opposition created a ruckus during the passage of the insurance amendment bill that seeks to privatise general insurance companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">In the CCTV visuals from the Upper House, opposition MPs can be seen jostling with marshals in Parliament. In the video footage, marshals can be seen forming a human shield to block Opposition MPs from going towards the Chairman`s podium.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> CCTV visuals of Opposition MPs jostling with marshals in Parliament yesterday <a href="https://t.co/yfJsbCzrhl">pic.twitter.com/yfJsbCzrhl</a></p>
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<p>Earlier today, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said a delegation of Opposition leaders met Vice President and submitted a memorandum condemning the incident in the Upper House.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> CCTV footage of ruckus by Opposition MPs in Parliament on 11th August <a href="https://t.co/S3kvCp1gTz">pic.twitter.com/S3kvCp1gTz</a></p>
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<p>They also briefed him about the incidents that took place in the House. The Opposition also condemned the incident in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and said, "What happened in Rajya Sabha yesterday was shocking, unprecedented, sad and an insult to the very dignity of the House and the humiliation of the members of the august House.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">"The statement issued by 10 Opposition parties said that without any provocation from the Opposition, "outsiders who were not part of Parliament security" were brought in to "manhandle" the Opposition leaders and members, including women Parliamentarians who were only protesting against the Government`s conduct, "highhandedness and muzzling of the voice.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">"The Opposition strongly condemns the authoritarian attitude and undemocratic actions of the Government. We remain committed to continue our struggle against the assault on Parliamentary democracy and agitate the issues of national importance and people`s concern," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">During the recently-concluded monsoon session of Parliament, the Opposition forced adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over their twin demands including repeal of three farm laws and probe into allegations of surveillance using Pegasus spyware.</p>


Despite Opposition members alleging an attack by Rajya Sabha security personnel on Wednesday, CCTV footage of the ruckus emerged on Thursday showing Opposition MPs jostling with marshals in the Upper House.

Despite Opposition members alleging an attack by Rajya Sabha security personnel on Wednesday, CCTV footage of the ruckus emerged on Thursday showing Opposition MPs jostling with marshals in the Upper House. The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded prematurely on Wednesday after security personnel were called in Rajya Sabha after the Opposition created a ruckus during the passage of the insurance amendment bill that seeks to privatise general insurance companies. In the CCTV visuals from the Upper House, opposition MPs can be seen jostling with marshals in Parliament. In the video footage, marshals can be seen forming a human shield to block Opposition MPs from going towards the Chairman`s podium. #WATCH CCTV visuals of Opposition MPs jostling with marshals in Parliament yesterday pic.twitter.com/yfJsbCzrhl — ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2021 × Earlier today, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said a delegation of Opposition leaders met Vice President and submitted a memorandum condemning the incident in the Upper House. #WATCH CCTV footage of ruckus by Opposition MPs in Parliament on 11th August pic.twitter.com/S3kvCp1gTz — ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2021 × They also briefed him about the incidents that took place in the House. The Opposition also condemned the incident in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and said, "What happened in Rajya Sabha yesterday was shocking, unprecedented, sad and an insult to the very dignity of the House and the humiliation of the members of the august House. "The statement issued by 10 Opposition parties said that without any provocation from the Opposition, "outsiders who were not part of Parliament security" were brought in to "manhandle" the Opposition leaders and members, including women Parliamentarians who were only protesting against the Government`s conduct, "highhandedness and muzzling of the voice. "The Opposition strongly condemns the authoritarian attitude and undemocratic actions of the Government. We remain committed to continue our struggle against the assault on Parliamentary democracy and agitate the issues of national importance and people`s concern," it added. During the recently-concluded monsoon session of Parliament, the Opposition forced adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over their twin demands including repeal of three farm laws and probe into allegations of surveillance using Pegasus spyware.

Watch: CCTV footage shows India's Opposition parliamentarians jostling with marshals in Rajya Sabha

<p>As many as 17 opposition members have written to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-right-to-information-amendment-bill-2019-238465">Rajya Sabha</a> Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-congress-stages-walkout-238448">passing legislation</a> without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament.</p>

<p>In the letter dated July 25, the lawmakers have said that it is a fundamental departure from the established practice and healthy traditions of enacting legislations.</p>

<p>"In the 14th Lok Sabha, 60 per cent of Bills were sent for scrutiny to the parliamentary committees. In the 15th Lok Sabha, 71 per cent of Bills were sent for scrutiny. In the 16th Lok Sabha, only 26 per cent of Bills were sent for scrutiny. Now, in the 17th Lok Sabha, 14 Bills have already been passed in the first session. But, none of these Bills has been referred to a Standing Committee or Select Committee for a legislative scrutiny," the members wrote.</p>

<p>They have underlined that public consultation is a long-established practice where parliamentary committees scrutinise Bills, deliberate, engage and work towards improving the content and quality of the legislation.</p>

<p>The MPs recalled that the first session of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Lok Sabha had about 10 sittings each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In that time, only a handful of Bills, that had undergone parliamentary scrutiny, were passed," they said.</p>

<p>"The first Session of the 17th Lok Sabha has had 30 sittings. In this period, a dubious record has been set up: 14 Bills have been passed and none has been scrutinised by any Parliamentary Committee. Further, 11 more Bills have been listed for introduction, consideration and passing," the letter read.</p>

<p>Recalling an incident, the MPs wrote, "The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was laid on the table of Rajya Sabha at 5.01 pm on Friday, July 19. It was then listed for discussion in the house for the next working day, i.e., July 22. Members were not given sufficient time to file notices of amendments to the Bill."</p>

<p>"Later, on the morning of July 22, the members were verbally informed at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting that the notice to amendments to the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill can be filed till 12 noon. This is a violation of Rule 95 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States' which entitles the members to have at least one day's (working) time to file amendment notices," they added.</p>

<p>The members said that once the Bill was taken up for consideration and passing, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh invoked Rule 266.</p>

<p>"Rule 266 is clear. It may be invoked in case of 'matters not specifically provided for' in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. In this case, however, Rule 95 is explicit in its provisions," they said.</p>

<p>The members have demanded that short duration discussions should be held under Rule 176 in the Upper House, underlining that it allows them to raise matters of urgent public importance.</p>

<p>"There is a long-standing convention to have one short duration discussion each week. In the four weeks of the Budget session, only two short-duration discussions have been allowed," they said.</p>

<p>The members further urged Naidu to ensure that the voice of the opposition is not "smothered" in the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>"While we understand our responsibility and the need to enact legislation, any attempt by the government to undermine the privileges of members, the rules and established conventions will diminish the role of the council of states as envisaged by our founding fathers," the MPs stated.</p>

<p>Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma (Congress), Derek O`Brien (TMC), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Majeed Memon (NCP), Manoj Jha (RJD), Vaiko (MDMK), and Sanjay Singh (AAP) are among the 17 MPs, who wrote the letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.&nbsp;</p>


As many as 17 opposition members have written to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly" passing legislation without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament.

As many as 17 opposition members have written to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly" passing legislation without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament. In the letter dated July 25, the lawmakers have said that it is a fundamental departure from the established practice and healthy traditions of enacting legislations. "In the 14th Lok Sabha, 60 per cent of Bills were sent for scrutiny to the parliamentary committees. In the 15th Lok Sabha, 71 per cent of Bills were sent for scrutiny. In the 16th Lok Sabha, only 26 per cent of Bills were sent for scrutiny. Now, in the 17th Lok Sabha, 14 Bills have already been passed in the first session. But, none of these Bills has been referred to a Standing Committee or Select Committee for a legislative scrutiny," the members wrote. They have underlined that public consultation is a long-established practice where parliamentary committees scrutinise Bills, deliberate, engage and work towards improving the content and quality of the legislation. The MPs recalled that the first session of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Lok Sabha had about 10 sittings each. "In that time, only a handful of Bills, that had undergone parliamentary scrutiny, were passed," they said. "The first Session of the 17th Lok Sabha has had 30 sittings. In this period, a dubious record has been set up: 14 Bills have been passed and none has been scrutinised by any Parliamentary Committee. Further, 11 more Bills have been listed for introduction, consideration and passing," the letter read. Recalling an incident, the MPs wrote, "The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was laid on the table of Rajya Sabha at 5.01 pm on Friday, July 19. It was then listed for discussion in the house for the next working day, i.e., July 22. Members were not given sufficient time to file notices of amendments to the Bill." "Later, on the morning of July 22, the members were verbally informed at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting that the notice to amendments to the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill can be filed till 12 noon. This is a violation of Rule 95 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States' which entitles the members to have at least one day's (working) time to file amendment notices," they added. The members said that once the Bill was taken up for consideration and passing, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh invoked Rule 266. "Rule 266 is clear. It may be invoked in case of 'matters not specifically provided for' in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. In this case, however, Rule 95 is explicit in its provisions," they said. The members have demanded that short duration discussions should be held under Rule 176 in the Upper House, underlining that it allows them to raise matters of urgent public importance. "There is a long-standing convention to have one short duration discussion each week. In the four weeks of the Budget session, only two short-duration discussions have been allowed," they said. The members further urged Naidu to ensure that the voice of the opposition is not "smothered" in the Rajya Sabha. "While we understand our responsibility and the need to enact legislation, any attempt by the government to undermine the privileges of members, the rules and established conventions will diminish the role of the council of states as envisaged by our founding fathers," the MPs stated. Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma (Congress), Derek O`Brien (TMC), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Majeed Memon (NCP), Manoj Jha (RJD), Vaiko (MDMK), and Sanjay Singh (AAP) are among the 17 MPs, who wrote the letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

17 Opposition MPs express concern over passing Bills without scrutiny, write to Rajya Sabha Chairman

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