NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 p.m. on Tuesday following a noisy standoff between the Chair and Opposition members over the rejection of 21 notices submitted under Rule 267, which allows suspension of listed business to discuss urgent matters of public importance.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh, presiding over the session, stated that the notices received pertained to four different subjects, but none were drafted in proper terms as required under Rule 267.
Of these, 11 notices sought discussion on matters currently sub judice.
Citing procedural norms and past precedents, the Deputy Chairman declined to admit any of the notices, reiterating that parliamentary rules prohibit discussion on matters pending before the courts.
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva attempted to invoke Rule 266, which empowers the Chair to regulate matters not specifically provided for in the rulebook.
“Even the Constitution is subject to amendments, ” Siva argued, urging flexibility in the face of pressing issues which he claimed were of national concern.
However, the Chair maintained that he was bound by the rules and could not entertain improperly framed motions.