In a move signalling a thaw in parliamentary tensions, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday revoked the suspension of eight Opposition MPs following a consensus between the government and Opposition benches.
The decision was announced by Speaker Om Birla after a motion moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju was adopted through a voice vote. The suspension was lifted with immediate effect.
The MPs had been suspended earlier this month for tearing papers and throwing them towards the Chair during proceedings, actions the government had termed a breach of parliamentary decorum.
During the discussion, Congress leader K. Suresh urged the House to revoke the suspension, stating that deliberations held in the Speaker’s chamber had resulted in an understanding that the Opposition would cooperate to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
Supporting the move, Dharmendra Yadav said the Opposition respected the dignity of Parliament and would continue to uphold it. Supriya Sule added that both sides had agreed to exercise restraint and maintain order during proceedings.
From the treasury benches, Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh underlined the need to respect a “Lakshman Rekha” of propriety, cautioning against conduct that undermines the dignity of the House.
Rijiju reiterated that while the government remains open to dialogue, Parliament cannot function amid disruptions such as tearing papers, physical altercations, or members climbing onto tables. He noted that although the Opposition expressed “regret” rather than issuing a formal apology, the government accepted it in the larger interest of ensuring legislative business proceeds smoothly.
Assuring cooperation, Suresh said Opposition members would refrain from protests inside the House, including displaying placards or gathering at the Makar Dwar, and would contribute constructively to proceedings.
Speaker Birla stated that all parties had reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the dignity, traditions, and decorum of Parliament. He also cautioned members against displaying misleading or AI-generated content within or outside the House premises.
The MPs whose suspension has now been revoked include Manickam Tagore, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Prashant Padole, Kiran Kumar Reddy, and S. Venkatesan.
