Lok Sabha revokes suspension of 8 MPs after opposition assurance on decorum

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday revoked the suspension of eight opposition MPs with immediate effect, following assurances from parties across the aisle to maintain decorum and ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

Speaker Om Birla underscored the need for strict adherence to parliamentary norms , directing members not to display placards, posters, photographs, or AI-generated images inside the House or within the Parliament complex. His explicit mention of AI-generated content reflects growing concerns over the potential use of misleading or manipulated visuals that could disrupt proceedings or spread misinformation.

The development came after Congress member K Suresh urged the House to reconsider the suspensions, describing earlier incidents as “regrettable” and assuring full cooperation from the opposition. He noted that members had already refrained from displaying placards since Monday, signalling a willingness to comply with expected standards.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasised the need to draw a “Laxman Rekha” to govern conduct in the House, a formulation that found acceptance among both treasury and opposition benches. He said lawmakers were elected to ensure the House functions smoothly, not to disrupt proceedings.

The Speaker observed that there was a shared understanding among members that proceedings in the Parliament of the world’s largest democracy must be conducted with dignity and cooperation. Rijiju subsequently moved a motion to revoke the suspension of seven Congress MPs and one CPI(M) member, which was adopted by voice vote.

The MPs had been suspended on February 3 for “unruly behaviour” during the Budget session and were initially barred for its entire duration, scheduled to conclude on April 2.

Members from various parties backed the revocation while stressing mutual accountability. Samajwadi Party leader Dharmendra Yadav assured adherence to the dignity of the House, while NCP’s Supriya Sule called for mutual respect and restraint in personal remarks. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey rejected allegations against him, asserting he had upheld parliamentary decorum, and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh also urged cooperation from all sides.