Parliament Winter Session 2023 Highlights: Oppn MPs take protest outside House as LS, RS adjourned

Parliament Winter Session, Day 12 Live Updates: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of reconvening as Opposition MPs demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a discussion on the security lapse in the Lok Sabha as well as the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs for the remaining Winter Session

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: December 18, 2023 10:09 AM IST
Parliament LIVEParliament LIVE: Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury with suspended MPs V.K. Sreekandan, Derek O'Brien, T.N. Prathapan, Hibi Eden, Ramya Haridas and others at a protest during the Winter session of Parliament on Friday.

Parliament Winter Session 2023: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 PM within minutes of reconvening as Opposition MPs demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a discussion on the security lapse in the Lok Sabha as well as the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs for the remaining Winter Session. Meanwhile, the suspended MPs staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue situated in Parliament premises on Friday morning.

Before adjourning for the day yesterday, the Lok Sabha had passed a resolution to suspend nine more MPs for the remainder of the ongoing Winter Session. Including Derek O’Brien’s suspension from the Rajya Sabha, a total of 14 MPs have been suspended from both the Houses. DMK Lok Sabha MP SR Parthiban was dropped from the list of those suspended as he was not even in the House at the time.

On Day 11, Opposition leaders raised slogans against the major security breach on Wednesday, wherein two people with smoke canisters entered the Lok Sabha. Leaders of the Opposition were captured chanting slogans of ‘PM sadan me aao, Amit Shah sharam karo’ in both Houses. In other news, the reworked criminal law Bills are set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha for consideration. The three new criminal law Bills – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, to replace the Indian Penal Code; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for the Code of Criminal Procedure; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, for the Indian Evidence Act, will replace existing laws.

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Parliament Winter Session: Parliament gridlock likely to resume over suspension of 14 Oppn MPs, LS security breach

21:22 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Amit Shah must make a statement on Parliament security breach: Tejashwi

Terming the Parliament security breach a "very serious issue", Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Friday said Union Home Minister Amit Shah must make a statement in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the incident.

The RJD leader said it is unimaginable that imagine that the December 13 incident happened at a place which is considered one of the safest in the country.

Talking to reporters here, Yadav said, “Parliament security breach is a very serious issue and it can't be taken lightly. Union Home Minister Amit Shah must make a statement in Parliament on the security breach. People are expecting from the (union) home minister that he should come to the House and say something. The Centre must make sure that it does not happen again”.

The deputy chief minister said it is the responsibility of the Central government to probe the matter thoroughly. PTI

21:16 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Parliament security breach accused wanted to create anarchy, compel govt to meet their demands: Police

Lalit Jha, arrested in the Parliament security breach case, is the "mastermind" of the entire conspiracy and he and co-accused wanted to create anarchy in the country so that they can compel the government to meet their demands, the Delhi Police told a city court on Friday.

Sources said police are likely to seek the Parliament's permission to recreate the December 13 incident that unfolded on the anniversary of the 2001 attack on it.

Jha, who hails from West Bengal, was sent to seven-day police custody on Friday after his arrest last night. Police claimed in the Patiala House court that he admitted that the accused met many times to hatch the conspiracy to breach Parliament security.

Besides, he was also required to be interrogated to ascertain whether the accused had association with any enemy country or terrorist organisation, police said.

Talking about the future course of investigation, a senior police officer said that they will be taking Jha to Rajasthan to trace the places where he threw his phone and burnt the phones of others.

"After the incident, he fled to Rajasthan where he stayed for two days and returned to Delhi last night," the officer said.

The officer said the biggest challenge in the case is the fact that the police do not have the mobile phones of the accused that could help them trace the origin of the conspiracy and ascertain the involvement of more people.

The police are interrogating two more men -- Kailash and Mahesh-- since morning, he said, adding that they have not been arrested so far.

"We are planning to approach Parliament to seek permission for recreating the crime scene inside the House and outside the Parliament building. Lalit Jha, who was arrested on Thursday, revealed during the interrogation that he had thrown his phone near the Delhi-Jaipur border and destroyed the phones of the other accused," said the officer.

Police suspect involvement of foreign fundings as the way the accused made the planning and visited Delhi multiple times to do the recce of the act.

Police are also looking for the person who helped them in designing the shoes with cavities to hide canisters, sources added.

On being asked, why he committed the act, Jha told police that they were upset with "unemployment". PTI

19:53 (IST)15 Dec 2023

BJP MP Dubey cites past incidents to target opposition for its reaction to latest breach in Parliament

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday shared some past instances of Lok Sabha security breaches, including an intruder walking close to the then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, to claim that his party never attacked government functionaries or sought the Speaker's resignation, as he targeted the opposition for its reaction to the recent breach.

One Ratan Lal had reached the visitors' gallery with a pistol on April 11, 1974 but the Jana Sangh, the forerunner to the BJP, never sought the then Speaker's resignation. The responsibility of the security of the entire Parliament building rests only with the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Dubey said.

The Congress and other opposition parties should be "ashamed", he said on X amid demands by these parties that Home Minister Amit Shah should reply on the issue.

19:52 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Cong accuses Shah of 'contempt of Parliament' by speaking on security breach on TV, not in House

The Congress Friday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of "contempt of Parliament" by speaking to TV channels on the security breach issue and not in the House when it is in session and said both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are unlikely to function till he makes a statement on the matter.

The opposition parties have decided to raise the issue in both Houses on Monday.

They said the first requirement for both Houses to function is a statement from the Home Minister followed by a discussion on the security breach matter. They said the Home Minister was being "arrogant" by speaking on TV channels and not inside Parliament on the serious issue.

The Congress also did not attend the meeting of floor leaders convened by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. PTI

16:40 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Washout in LS, RS proceedings amid oppn protest seeking Shah's reply on security breach

Parliamentary proceedings were completely washed out on Friday after opposition protests in both the houses over the security breach issue amid demands that Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement followed by a discussion.

While Lok Sabha was adjourned within moments after it met for the day and again till 2 PM and then within a minute after that, Rajya Sabha saw similar adjournments - first within minutes of the laying of papers and Standing Committee reports and then again for the day within a minute of it meeting at 2 PM.

This is the third day when parliamentary proceedings were disrupted over the security breach issue in Parliament. Two persons jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber on Wednesday and opened yellow smoke canisters inside the house, leading to a scare.

The Opposition is also protesting the suspension of 14 MPs - 13 from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha after they raised their demand for a statement from Shah on the security breach and a discussion thereafter.

The Opposition has raised strong objection to Shah making a statement at a media conclave and not coming to Parliament to give a statement on "such an important issue". PTI

15:41 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Opposition using Parliament security breach matter to halt House proceedings: Anurag Thakur

Union minister Anurag Thakur on Friday hit out at the Opposition parties, saying they are trying to politicise the Parliament security breach matter and using it as an excuse to halt House proceedings.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports made these remark on the sidelines of an awards distribution ceremony for rural sports events at a school in Najafgarh. "After losing the elections in three states, the opposition is trying to find an excuse to halt the proceedings of the House. They are creating obstacles, even as the Speaker of the House spoke to the representatives of the opposition parties, took their suggestions and also assured improvement (in security). It can be clearly seen, they are trying to do politics," Thakur said while speaking to PTI.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day soon after it started at 2 PM after morning adjournments as the opposition parties continued their protest demanding discussion on Wednesday's Parliament security breach.

Thakur, who is also Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, added that the opposition is trying to avoid discussion on public related issues by halting the proceedings of the House.

15:26 (IST)15 Dec 2023

BJP Karnataka MPs protest against assault on Dalit woman in state

BJP MPs from Karnataka on Friday staged a protest in the Parliament complex against an incident in Belagavi where a woman was assaulted and paraded naked.

"Law and order situation in Karnataka has fully collapsed. An SC lady, for no reason, was made naked and a procession was taken out, She was tied to an electric pole and beaten... Karnataka Congress government doesn't give security to SC, ST ladies," BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said.

The woman was paraded naked and tied to a pole allegedly after her son eloped with a girl from the same community in Vantamuri village in Belagavi on December 11.

Eight people have been arrested and a hunt is on for the eight others.

The Karnataka High Court has taken up the matter on its own. PTI

14:14 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Both Houses adjourned for the day amid protests

The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned for the day as Opposition demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the security breach in LS on Wednesday.

13:25 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Home minister mum in Parliament, but giving interview on TV: Kharge on security breach issue

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah why he was not giving a statement in Parliament on the security breach issue but was giving interviews to TV channels. He also asked if "illegally" suspending MPs who asked questions on the Parliament breach was justice.

"What kind of justice is it to illegally suspend opposition MPs over the huge lapse in security of Parliament and its MPs," Kharge asked. He said that leaders of various parties had met in the morning to discuss their joint strategy in both houses.

"INDIA parties demand that Shri Amit Shah should give a statement in the Parliament and then it should be discussed in both the houses," the Congress chief said. "It is our duty to raise our voice on this serious issue of national security, it is our parliamentary duty," Kharge also said in a post in Hindi on X.

AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh concurred with his colleague's demand for a statement from Shah on the "shocking" security breach. "MPs of the INDIA parties are demanding that the Home Minister make a statement in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on the shocking incidents of December 13, 2023 involving intruders into the Lok Sabha whose entry was facilitated by a BJP MP Pratap Simha," Ramesh said after both houses were adjourned amid opposition protests

12:06 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Day after suspension of 14 MPs, INDIA bloc to protest in both Houses until suspended

Amid the growing tension between the ruling and opposition sides over the Parliament security breach and the subsequent suspension of 14 members, a senior DMK leader Friday suggested that all MPs in the Opposition should protest the matter and get suspended, sources said.

According to sources in the INDIA bloc meeting on Friday morning, held before the House met, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T R Baalu said the Opposition should continue the protests inside both Houses and get suspended in solidarity with the other MPs.

Sources said Baalu mentioned the suspension of Derek O’Brien from the Rajya Sabha. “We all should continue our protest…and let them suspend all of us. We should not leave them (the suspended MPs) alone,” Baalu was quoted as saying by a source who attended the meeting.

The Opposition has now decided to go ahead with the decision in both Houses. “The INDIA bloc MPs, including leaders, have decided to take placards to both the Houses and get suspended in solidarity with the others,” Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader N K Premachandran told The Indian Express.

Read Liz Mathew's report.



11:53 (IST)15 Dec 2023

'Suspension, expulsion of MPs not new for this govt': Congress MP Hibi Eden

"Suspension and expulsion are not new for this government. Last week TMC MP Mahua Moitra was expelled and this week 14 MPs were suspended whereas no action has been taken against BJP MP Pratap Simha in security breach case," Congress MP Hibi Eden told reporters outside Parliament. 

11:29 (IST)15 Dec 2023

RS chairman rejects 23 suspension notices on security breach, triggers Oppn protests

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Friday amid protest by the Opposition parties after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected their notices to suspended the scheduled business of the day to discuss the security breach in Parliament.

Soon after the listed papers were laid on the table, the Chairman informed the House that he had received 23 notices regarding the "serious situation" arising from Wednesday's Parliament security breach.

Dhankhar said investigation on the incident is underway and it will be taken to a logical conclusion.

"I unable to persuade myself to allow the notices," he said, which led to a protest by Opposition parties. (PTI)

11:26 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Sonia Gandhi joins protest by 14 suspended Opposition MPs in Parliament premises

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi joins the protest by 14 MPs who were suspended yesterday in the Parliament.

11:14 (IST)15 Dec 2023

'All MPs undemocratically suspended, we are holding silent protest': Congress MP Manickam Tagore

On his suspension from the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said, "All the MPs of the INDIA alliance are united and we were all undemocratically suspended yesterday. We are having a silent protest in front of the Gandhi statue and we will continue the protest till the House starts. INDIA alliance leaders have decided to take up the cause for which we are fighting. They will continue to raise those issues in the Parliament."

11:10 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 PM

Amid slogan-shouting by the Opposition MPs, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM.

11:03 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 PM

Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 2 PM.

10:38 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Opposition MPs stage protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament complex

Opposition MPs, including suspended MPs, are staging a protest in front of the Gandhi statue on Parliament premises, in Delhi.

A total of 14 MPs - 13 from Lok Sabha and 1 from Rajya Sabha - were suspended yesterday for the remainder of the winter session.

10:32 (IST)15 Dec 2023

🖊️ Opinion | Parliament attacks have exposed shameful lack of security preparedness

"It is normally believed that whenever an attack or security breach happens, the establishment, authorities and security apparatus wake up and take corrective measures so that the same type of attack or intrusion does not take place again. And, in a majority of the cases, it never does, but this time the irony virtually wrote itself, because the incident happened on the very day on which the dreadful Parliament attacks took place 22 years ago. It is not only shameful, but is also a clear statement on the preparedness of our security agencies," writes D Sivanandhan.

Read the full opinion piece here.

10:30 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Parliament security breach: Fifth accused arrested, BJP-TMC flap over his photograph with MLA

The Delhi Police Thursday evening arrested Kolkata resident Lalit Jha, the fifth accused in the Parliament security breach, amid a political face-off between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress over a photo that featured Jha and TMC MLA Tapas Roy.

Jha, 32, had shared this photograph with Roy — taken at a Saraswati Puja event — on his Instagram page on February 23, 2020.

“Lalit Jha, the mastermind of the attack on our Temple of Democracy, had been in close association with TMC’s Tapas Roy for a long time… Isn’t this proof enough for investigation into the connivance of the leader?” BJP’s West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar posted on X.

Read the full report here.

10:28 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Security heightened outside Parliament complex

Security is beefed up outside the Parliament complex in Delhi.

10:27 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Priyanka Chaturvedi gives notice under rule 267 to discuss LS security breach

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi gives her notice under rule 267 to discuss the breach of security in the Parliament.

09:42 (IST)15 Dec 2023

📋 Legislative Business in Lok Sabha today

The legislative business in Lok Sabha today is as follows: 

Bill for consideration and passing

  • The Post Office Bill, 2023
  • The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023
  • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023
  • The Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023
09:41 (IST)15 Dec 2023

Parliament gridlock likely to resume over suspension of 14 Oppn MPs, LS security breach

 A day after 14 Opposition MPs were suspended for the rest of the Winter Session as they pressed for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a discussion on the security lapse in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the gridlock in Parliament is most likely to continue on Friday as the Opposition seems intent on sticking to its demand.

20:14 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Case of mistaken identity: Lok Sabha withdraws suspension of DMK's S R Parthiban after govt letter

The Lok Sabha has withdrawn the suspension of DMK MP S R Parthiban after the government told Speaker Om Birla that it was a case of mistaken identity as the member was not present in the House when others disrupted its proceedings.

Now, the total number of MPs suspended for the remainder of the Winter Session of Parliament stands at 14 -- 13 from the Lok Sabha and one from the Rajya Sabha.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said Parthiban's name was withdrawn from the list of the Lok Sabha members suspended earlier in the day as there was a mistake on the part of the staff in identifying the member.

"I have requested the speaker to drop the name of the member as it was a case of mistaken identity," Joshi said.

19:58 (IST)14 Dec 2023

DNA of those involved in Parliament security breach linked to 'Congress-Communist axis': BJP

Slamming opposition parties for disrupting parliamentary proceedings, the BJP on Thursday said as details of the Parliament security breach incident emerge, it is getting "obvious" that the DNA of those who entered the Lok Sabha is inextricably linked to the "Congress-Communist axis".

Both Houses of Parliament witnessed an uproar on Thursday over the security breach with opposition members demanding a discussion on the issue.

19:38 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Day after breach, security tightened in and around Parliament complex

A day after the security breach in Parliament, stringent measures were put in place in and around the building on Thursday with police and Parliament security personnel thoroughly checking the credentials of those entering the complex.

Security personnel deployed outside Transport Bhavan which is metres away from the Parliament complex did not allow anyone to go beyond the barricades before checking their identity cards and entry passes.

18:35 (IST)14 Dec 2023

15 Oppn MPs suspended from Par for disrupting proceedings; govt says 'don't politicise' LS security breach issue

As many as 15 opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament for the remainder of the Winter session for disrupting proceedings as the Lok Sabha security breach incident snowballed into a major row on Thursday with the government asking the opposition not to "politicise" the "grave national issue" and the Congress, TMC and others demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.

While TMC's Derek O'Brien was suspended in the Rajya Sabha, as many as 14 opposition MPs, including nine from the Congress and DMK's Kanimozhi, were suspended from the Lok Sabha for disrupting the proceedings. PTI

18:15 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Among those suspended, a DMK MP absent from LS on sick leave, says ‘joke’, ‘mockery

A DMK Lok Sabha MP suspended on Thursday for protesting the security breach has said he was not even in the House at the time.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Thursday evening, S R Parthiban, who represents Salem constituency, said his name being listed in the suspension list of opposition MPs was a “joke”. “I wasn’t there today as I am unwell,” he said.

Read more on what he said.

17:58 (IST)14 Dec 2023

'Murder of democracy': Cong slams govt over suspension of opposition MPs

The Congress has termed as "murder of democracy" the suspension of opposition MPs and alleged that the BJP government has reduced Parliament to a "rubber stamp".

As many as 15 opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament for the remainder of the Winter session for disrupting proceedings over the Lok Sabha security breach issue.

While TMC's Derek O'Brien was suspended from the Rajya Sabha, as many as 14 opposition MPs, including nine from the Congress and DMK's Kanimozhi, were suspended from the Lok Sabha for disrupting the proceedings.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal said, "A horrible, undemocratic move to suspend opposition MPs for demanding an answer from the Government on the shocking security breach in Parliament yesterday." "On the one hand 5 MPs are suspended for demanding accountability, while on the other hand, there is no action against the BJP MP who facilitated the entry of the miscreants," Venugopal said.

"This is a murder of democracy. The BJP government has reduced Parliament to a rubber stamp. Not even the pretence of a democratic process is left," he said.

16:57 (IST)14 Dec 2023

TMC condemns suspension of Derek O'Brien, calls for Amit Shah's resignation

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday criticised the BJP-led central government for suspending its Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien and called for the immediate resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the Parliament security breach.

The TMC accused the government of failing to ensure the safety of Parliament while actively suspending opposition MPs from the House.

O'Brien was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the winter session. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar cited "unruly behaviour" and "misconduct" as reasons for the disciplinary action. PTI

16:49 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha sends Derek O'Brien's matter to committee of privileges; House adjourned till Friday

The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till Friday amid protests by opposition members over the suspension of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O'Brien.

When the Rajya Sabha reassembled at 4 pm after two adjournments in the post-lunch session, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked suspended member O'Brien to leave the House in compliance with the order passed.

According to Dhankhar, O'Brien staying put in the House was a serious violation and a wilful defiance of the order.

Subsequently, leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a resolution under Rule 192 to refer the issue to the committee of privileges of the Rajya Sabha.

It was immediately taken up by the chairman and passed by a voice vote.

"The motion is adopted. The matter stands referred to the committee of privileges of the Rajya Sabha for examination, investigation and report within a period of three months," Dhankhar said.

He again urged O'Brien to leave the house, but the latter did not oblige.

The opposition members continued with their protest and amidst the uproar, the chairman adjourned the House proceedings till Friday. PTI

16:30 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha privileges committee asked to submit report on TMC MP Derek O'Brien's conduct in 3 months

Rajya Sabha referred the matter regarding conduct of suspended TMC member Derek O'Brien to committee of privileges for probe. A report is expected in three months.

The Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day as Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said transaction of business is "adversely affected" due to the "defiance" of TMC member Derek O' Brien who continued to be present in the Upper House despite his suspension.

When the Rajya Sabha reconvened at 3 pm after two adjournments in the post-lunch session, Dhankhar said he is giving "another opportunity to the suspended member O' Brien to reflect on his conduct and desist from any further non compliance of the Chair and forthwith withdraw from the House".

The Rajya Sabha Chairman said such conduct is "absolute transgression" of rules and is unbecoming of a member of this House, adding that transaction of business in the House was adversely affected due to O' Brien's defiance.

Dhankar also informed that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge had conveyed his "disinclination" to confer with him in his chamber.

16:28 (IST)14 Dec 2023

A horrible, undemocratic move: Congress general secretary K C Venugopal on suspension of MPs

"A horrible, undemocratic move to suspend opposition MPs for demanding an answer from the Government on the shocking security breach in Parliament yesterday. On the one hand 5 MPs are suspended for demanding accountability, while on the other hand, there is no action against the BJP MP who facilitated the entry of the miscreants. This is a murder of democracy. The BJP government has reduced Parliament to a rubber stamp. Not even the pretence of a democratic process is left," K C Venugopal said in a tweet on X.

After five Congress Lok Sabha members were suspended from Lok Sabha for the remainder of winter session earlier in the day on Thursday, nine more opposition MPs were suspended from the House for the same period for "unruly conduct".

16:16 (IST)14 Dec 2023

What is a Privilege Motion and how does the Committee of Privileges in Parliament examine it?

The matter of suspended MP Derek O'Brien's alleged misconduct and contempt of the House has been referred to the Committee of Privileges.

The concept of parliamentary privilege are certain rights conferred to the Members of Parliament for conducting the business of the Parliament. There is no codified list of the exact privileges, but it includes the right of free expression in the course of Parliamentary debates and Members of Parliament will not be liable for court proceedings for this.

If there is a belief that such a privilege has been breached, a motion can be raised by any member. It can be admitted by the Chairman. They can then refer it to the Privileges Committee. The Chairman can, from time to time, nominate such a Committee, consisting of ten members. It will also have a Chairman appointed by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Read more

16:08 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am Friday amid disruption

The Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day. This came after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said transaction of business is "adversely affected" due to the "defiance" of TMC member Derek O' Brien who continued to be present in the Upper House despite his suspension.

16:07 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Matter of suspended MP Derek O'Brien moved to Committee of Privileges of Rajya Sabha

Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moves a motion for the matter of suspended TMC MP Derek O'Brien to be recommended to the Committee of Special Privileges for his conduct, disregarding directions of the Chair, serious contempt of the House. The motion is adopted.

16:02 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha reconvenes

Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankar says due to the disruption the House could not take up the Question Hour and other legislative business.

15:55 (IST)14 Dec 2023

15 this Winter Session: A look at grounds of MP suspension since 2019

Amidst uproar in Parliament on Thursday over a discussion on the security breach in Parliament, a total of 15 MPs were suspended.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien was the first to be suspended for the rest of the winter session, with vice-president and chairman of the House Jagdeep Dhankar noting his “ignoble misconduct”. O’Brien was seeking a discussion on the incident of security breach that occurred on Wednesday and demanding that Union Home Minister Amit Shah be present in the House to speak on the matter.

In the Lok Sabha, T N Prathapan, Dean Kuriakose, S Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Hibi Eden were suspended amidst the uproar over the security breach.

Read more about the MPs’ suspension, and its grounds, since 2019.

15:39 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Union Minister Karandlaje seeks thorough probe into Parliament security breach

Today, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje sought a thorough investigation into the security breach at Parliament and strict punishment against the offenders.

"Our request is that there should be a thorough investigation and offenders should be punished," Karandlaje told reporters.

Karandlaje, a BJP MP from Karnataka, is in charge of two ministries -- agriculture and food processing industries.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on Wednesday, two persons -- Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D -- jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. PTI

15:38 (IST)14 Dec 2023

14 Lok Sabha MPs suspended on Day 11 of Winter Session

The nine Lok Sabha members suspended from the House in day include four Manickam Tagore, Benny Behanan, K Sreekandan, Mohammad Jawed (all from Congress); P R Natarajan and S Venkatesan (both from CPM), Kanimozhi and S R Parthiban (both DMK) and K Subbarayan of CPI. 

The motion was adopted by voice vote. Immediately after that, the House was adjourned till Friday. 

Parliamentary Affairs minister Prahlad Joshi also moved a separate motion for the suspension of five Congress MPs earlier in the day: TN Prathapan, Hibi Eden, S Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Dean Kuriakose 

15:17 (IST)14 Dec 2023

9 more Lok Sabha MPs suspended

Lok Sabha passes resolution to suspend nine more MPs for remaining period of Winter Session. The proceedings were adjourned for the day amid opposition din over Wednesday's security breach.

15:08 (IST)14 Dec 2023

RLP' MP Hanuman Beniwal tries to climb Speaker's podium in House

RLP's lone MP tried to scale the Speaker's podium in the Lok Sabha today as opposition members raised slogans against the government over security breach.

As soon as the House met again at 2 pm after an adjournment, opposition members trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans demanding the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah in the House over the security breach.

While opposition members raised slogans, Beniwal, standing next to the Secretary General's chair, tried to scale the Speaker's podium which is several feet high.

B Mahtab, who was chairing the proceedings, adjourned the House till 3 pm after the Lok SAbha adopted a resolution suspending five Congress MPs for the remainder of the session for disrupting proceedings.

They were earlier named by Speaker Om Birla. PTI

15:07 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day. The proceedings will resume 11 am on Friday.

15:05 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha adjourned again

The Upper House which reconvened at 3 pm has been adjourned till 4 pm.

This comes after the Rajya Sabha adopted a motion to suspend TMC MP Derek O Brien for the remainder of the session for his alleged misconduct amid the uproar. Chair Dhankhar called O’Brien’s behaviour an ignoble misconduct and a shameful incident, adding that the TMC MP had defied the chair. 

14:28 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Pralhad Joshi in LS: 'Unfortunate incidents happening in the House'

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi moved the resolution to suspend five Opposition MPs saying that "these kinds of unfortunate incidents are happening since beginning -- shouting slogans, throwing papers and jumping from gallery."

14:23 (IST)14 Dec 2023

5 Congress MPs suspended for remainder of session for disrupting proceedings

Lok Sabha passes resolution suspending five Congress MPs after being named by Speaker for disrupting House proceedings.

14:22 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Pralhad Joshi in LS: Speaker held meeting with all floor leaders to listen to solutions concerning 'breach'

On the Parliamentary security breach incident, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, 'We all agree that the unfortunate incident which occurred yesterday was a serious incident concerning the safety and the security of honourable members of parliament. The Lok Sabha Speaker held a meeting with all the floor leaders and listened to their solutions for the further strengthening of the security in the parliament. Some of the suggestions given have already been implemented. No politics should be done on this issue.'

14:11 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Opposition MPs slam Centre over suspension of TMC's Derek O'Brien in Rajya Sabha

Opposition MPs on Thursday slammed the Centre over suspension of Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien from the Rajya Sabha and taking no action against the BJP MP who authorised the entry in Parliament of the two men who caused the security breach.

Trinamool Congress MP from Rajya Sabha Dola Sen slammed the government over the suspension, and said O'Brien was within his rights when he went to the Well of the House demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah over the Lok Sabha security breach.

"This is about national security, it is our duty as opposition to raise the issue. If the Home Minister would have made a statement in the House, this situation would not have arisen. It is our right at opposition to raise the issue, so we went to the Well and raised slogans. If they want to suspend us for that they can do it... 'Modi has to mumkin hai'.

"What did he say? He wanted to raise the issue of security breach. If opposition leader has to be suspended for demanding a statement they can do it, we will not be quiet," said Sen, as she accused the government of avoiding a discussion on the issue.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the Chairman should reconsider his decision.

"If MPs don't raise their voice, what is the point? Two people, who came through a BJP MP, breached the security of the temple of democracy. Whether it was smoke bomb or colour bomb... a bomb reached the House," said Tiwari.

"In such a situation, if we are demanding a discussion in Rajya Sabha, and demand a statement from the Minister, I think it is a valid reason. I blame the government (for O'Brien's suspension), we want the Chairman to reconsider his decision. It is an issue of national security," he said.

Communist Party of India (CPI) MP Binoy Viswam said the suspension is "unwarranted, undemocratic and politically motivated." "A failed government which has no regard for the Parliament is now trying to scuffle the Parliamentary proceedings in its own way. We will take it to people's court," he said.

"There was a warning that this attack may happen. What precaution did the government take? Why did the BJP MP give the pass? What action they have taken against the BJP MP? "The BJP MP is safeguarded and the MP who questioned this political activities has been suspended. We stand united with the suspended TMC MP," said Viswam.

"The Home minister who is responsible for nation's security should make a statement. Why did the Home Minister deny to come to Parliament?" he added.

P Santosh Kumar of CPI said they will not "accept" the suspension.

"We are not going to accept the suspension. It is contrary to principals of democracy and sign of autocracy. The MP who is the culprit of giving the passes is still in Lok Sabha, so far no disciplinary action has been taken. Whereas the one who protests is suspended. This is the irony," he said. (PTI)

14:10 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Lok Sabha adjourned

Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 3 PM.

14:09 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Sloganeering continues in Lok Sabha

Shortly after Lok Sabha reconvened, Opposition leaders continued sloganeering against the security breach on Wednesday, calling for Amit Shah's resignation. 

14:05 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2:30 PM

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2:30 PM.

13:31 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Parliament Security Breach: How the incident took place, in graphics

13:26 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Chaos in Parliament: Derek O'Brien suspended, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 PM

Here's a rundown of what has happened in Parliament so far: 

?? Security was ramped up because of yesterday's incident. No visitors were permitted to enter the premises on Thursday and MPs underwent thorough security checks 
?? 
Opposition leaders raised slogans of 'Home Minister sadan me aao' in Rajya Sabha. Some even demanded the Home Minister's resignation. 
?? TMC MP Derek O'Brien was asked to leave the House, with chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar saying that he has committed 'breach of privilege'.
?? Amid the chaos, both Houses were adjourned -- the RS till noon and LS till 2 PM. 

12:13 (IST)14 Dec 2023

RS adopts motion to suspend TMC’s Derek O’Brien for remainder of session over ‘misconduct’

Soon after Parliament convened for Day 11 of the ongoing Winter Session, both Houses were adjourned amid Opposition leaders raising slogans against the major security breach on Wednesday, wherein two people with smoke canisters entered the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha adopted a motion to suspend TMC MP Derek O Brien for the remainder of the session for his alleged misconduct amid the uproar. 

12:06 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 PM

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 PM.

12:03 (IST)14 Dec 2023

On security breach, Oppn parties urge for 'detailed statement by HM'

In a post on X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh put forth the following demands by the INDIA bloc parties:

11:27 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Ruckus in Parliament as Oppn demands answers on breach from Amit Shah

Parliament convened for Day 11 of the ongoing Winter Session, with Opposition leaders raising slogans against the major security breach on Wednesday, wherein two people with gas canisters entered the Lok Sabha. The leaders chanted slogans of ‘Amit Shah nyaay karo, Amit Shah jawaab do (Amit Shah, give answers)’ in Lok Sabha.

Parties in the Opposition INDIA bloc earlier met at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber’s in Parliament. The leaders are are considering meeting President Droupadi Murmu over the issue.

11:24 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till noon amid slogan-shouting by the Opposition MPs.

11:23 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Jagdeep Dhankhar asks TMC MP Derek O Brien to 'leave House' amid ruckus

TMC MP Derek O Brien has been asked to leave the House, with chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar saying that he has committed 'breach of privilege'.

11:21 (IST)14 Dec 2023

Ruckus in Rajya Sabha, Oppn leaders enter well of House

Opposition leaders are raising slogans of  “Gruh mantri saram karo, Modi sarkar hai hai, PM sadan mein aao”.

No GST dues pending, some states have not submitted AG report, says Nirmala Sitharaman

The Centre on Tuesday said no GST dues of any state are pending before it and that some state governments have not submitted the AG’s authenticated certificate for release of their share of funds.

Replying to a supplementary question in Rajya SabhaUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the narrative that GST dues are pending from the Centre is not correct and is a misnomer as states have not submitted the AG’s report. “It is important to understand that the AG’s (accountant general) certification is (mandatory)… If the AG’s certificate does not reach us, we cannot clear… Some states, even after sending the AG’s certificate, tell us to hold on till they clear it finally,” she said.

Revised criminal code Bills: Life term, death for hate-crime murder, mob lynching; terror ambit widened

Enhancing the minimum punishment for mob lynching and hate-crime murder from seven years to life imprisonment and expanding the definition of terrorism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday introduced revised versions of three criminal law Bills in Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860; The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (originally enacted in 1898); and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bill that seeks to replace the IPC, now prescribes a punishment for mob lynching that extends from life imprisonment to death. In its earlier version, introduced in August, the Bill prescribed a punishment that extended from seven years to death.

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