Suspension Of Prominent MPs Hinders Parliamentary Committee Participation

As key figures like Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and AAP's Raghav Chadha grapple with their limited participation, the prospect of a legal battle looms on the horizon.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 12 August 2023 3:15 pm

Parliament monsoon session 2023

The suspension of prominent Members of Parliament (MPs) has disrupted their active engagement in vital parliamentary committees, casting a shadow over effective governance. The suspension of Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and AAP's Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh has ignited a debate on the potential infringement of MPs' privileges and the arbitrary use of suspension as a political tool.

Chowdhury, a key figure heading the crucial Public Accounts Committee and contributing to other pivotal panels, finds his participation restrained as his suspension persists. Similarly, AAP's Raghav Chadha, suspended from the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, faces limitations in fulfilling his parliamentary duties, as reported by PTI.

In the face of these challenges, legal experts are being consulted as MPs explore potential legal avenues to contest their suspensions. Citing concerns over the potential misuse of suspension and the impact on parliamentary functioning, these MPs are actively considering court actions.

Chowdhury's suspension, imposed on August 10 over allegations of "repeated misconduct," is pending an investigation by the privileges committee. The suspension has ignited debates regarding the use of majority power to suspend MPs even before the privileges committee's report and subsequent parliamentary discussion.

AAP's Raghav Chadha, suspended from Rajya Sabha on August 11 for alleged "gross violation of rule, misconduct, defiant attitude, and contemptuous conduct," faces limitations in participating in key committees, notably the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.