Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s Lok Sabha Suspension Revoked Following Privileges Committee Decision
In a unanimous decision taken by the Privileges Committee of Lok Sabha, the suspension of Congress leader and MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from the Lok Sabha was lifted on August 30. This move comes after Chowdhury’s suspension from the Lok Sabha was imposed on the final day of the monsoon session of Parliament on August 11. The suspension had been attributed to Chowdhury’s unruly behaviour during the parliamentary session.
The suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a prominent Congress leader, had been triggered by allegations of his disruptive behaviour. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had presented a motion to suspend Chowdhury, citing his involvement in disruptive conduct. The alleged behaviour had occurred during a session where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of the Union cabinet were addressing the House.
The decision to revoke Chowdhury’s suspension was formulated after he appeared before the Privileges Committee and expressed remorse for specific remarks made by him during the session. In his interaction with the Committee, which was presided over by BJP member Sunil Kumar Singh, Chowdhury reportedly conveyed that his intention had never been to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He further expressed his regret for the comments he had made. A committee member confirmed, “The Committee has adopted a resolution to revoke the suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from the Lok Sabha. The resolution will be sent to the Speaker as soon as possible.”
The suspension of Chowdhury from the Lok Sabha had come about following his naming by Speaker Om Birla for “unruly conduct” on August 11, the concluding day of the monsoon session. Subsequently, he was suspended from the membership of the Lok Sabha pending an inquiry by the Privileges Committee.
During the Committee’s session on August 18, several members articulated the viewpoint that the Lok Sabha’s imposition of punishment on Chowdhury for his conduct negated the need for further examination of his behaviour by a parliamentary panel. Nevertheless, in accordance with principles of natural justice, the Committee had summoned Chowdhury to appear before it on August 30.
The unanimous decision to lift Chowdhury’s suspension signifies a resolution to this chapter of parliamentary proceedings. The restoration of his privileges within the Lok Sabha underlines the adherence to due process and the value placed on allowing individuals the opportunity to express remorse for their actions. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the reintegration of Chowdhury into the parliamentary fold emphasizes the significance of maintaining decorum and facilitating constructive discourse within the legislative arena.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 1st September 2023
