In the latest developments during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament 2023, significant actions were taken as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha addressed pressing issues. On Day 11, a notable event was the suspension of nine additional Members of Parliament (MPs) by the Lok Sabha, bringing the total count of suspended MPs to 14. This decision came in response to the major security breach that occurred on the previous day, wherein two individuals infiltrated the Lok Sabha with smoke canisters, leading to a chaotic situation.
Lok Sabha's Response to Security Breach
Before adjourning for the day, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution to suspend nine more MPs for the remainder of the Winter Session. Opposition leaders, expressing their concerns about the security breach, raised slogans in both Houses. The slogans included phrases such as ‘PM sadan me aao, Amit Shah sharam karo,’ highlighting the Opposition's dissatisfaction with the handling of the security lapse.
The suspended MPs included 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 for suspension was adopted through a voice vote, and the House was adjourned till the following day.
In addition to the Lok Sabha's actions, the Rajya Sabha also took measures to address alleged misconduct. TMC MP Derek O'Brien was suspended for the remainder of the session due to his behavior during the uproar. Rajya Sabha Chair Dhankhar described O’Brien’s actions as ignoble misconduct and a shameful incident, stating that the TMC MP had defied the chair. Five Congress MPs—T N Prathapan, Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Jothi Mani, and Ramya Haridas—were also suspended for the remaining session in the Lok Sabha.
Despite warnings, O’Brien and other Opposition lawmakers continued to protest by shouting slogans in the House during the morning session.
Government's Legislative Agenda
On a different note, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to table reworked criminal law Bills for discussion on Day 11. These three new Bills—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023—aimed to replace existing laws, including the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. Shah was also set to present the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage.
Security Breach Discussion Leads to Suspensions
The suspension of MPs unfolded against the backdrop of a security breach that took place on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two individuals—Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D—entered the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, releasing yellow smoke from canisters and shouting slogans. MPs eventually overpowered them, but the incident triggered widespread concern and discussions within Parliament.
In response to the security breach, a total of 15 MPs were suspended on Day 11, with Derek O’Brien being the first to face suspension in the Rajya Sabha. He sought a discussion on the incident and demanded the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the House to address the matter. In the Lok Sabha, MPs T N Prathapan, Dean Kuriakose, S Jothimani, Ramya Haridas, and Hibi Eden were suspended amidst the uproar over the security breach.
Government's Call for Investigation
Addressing the security breach, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for the offenders. As the BJP MP from Karnataka overseeing the ministries of agriculture and food processing industries, Karandlaje stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
The security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack raised concerns about the efficacy of the existing security measures. The call for a comprehensive investigation reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of Parliament.
In conclusion, Day 11 of the Winter Session witnessed significant developments, including the suspension of MPs in response to the security breach and the government's focus on legislative matters. The ongoing discussions and actions within Parliament underscore the dynamic nature of the session and the various issues at the forefront of national attention.