AAP MP Raghav Chadha's Rajya Sabha suspension revoked
The Rajya Sabha on Monday revoked the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha from the Upper House. This came 115 days after he was suspended over the alleged breach of privilege on August 11. He was accused of proposing the names of five Rajya Sabha members for a select committee related to the controversial Delhi services bill without their consent.
Why does this story matter?
The AAP's Chadha was suspended during Parliament's Monsoon Session. Five MPs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhaga (AIADMK) alleged he didn't take their consent before naming them for a proposed select committee to study the bill (now act). Later, the matter reached the Supreme Court, which issued notices to the Rajya Sabha.
Chadha issues video statement on revocation of suspension
Chadha's suspension revoked following BJP MP's motion
Chadha's suspension from the Rajya Sabha was revoked on the first day of Parliament's Winter Session after BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao's motion was passed in the House. Following this, Chadha issued a video statement in which he thanked RS Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. He also mentioned his petition against the suspension in the SC, which sought a response from the Rajya Sabha in October.
Watch: Rajya Sabha members vote supporting motion seeking Chadha's reinstatement
Crucial observations by SC on Chadha's plea
In multiple proceedings on Chadha's application in October, the apex court labeled the indefinite suspension of a member of Parliament, especially from the opposition, as a matter of "serious concern" for the highest constitutional court. Led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, an SC bench had emphasized that the Parliament must also have voices distinct from the ruling dispensation.
Chadha's response after suspension
In August, following his suspension, Chadha attacked the ruling BJP at the Centre. He said, "My suspension serves as a stark message from the BJP to today's youth: If you dare to ask questions, we will crush your voice." He added his only offense was "exposing BJP's double standards on Delhi's statehood" and urging them to follow LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ideologies.
Know about Delhi services bill
The said select committee was proposed to review the Delhi services bill, formally known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, before it was passed in the Rajya Sabha. This bill, which both Houses of the Parliament approved, replaced an ordinance concerning the postings and transfers of senior Delhi government officials. On August 12, it officially received President Droupadi Murmu's assent.
