During the pre-lunch session on Thursday, disruptions unfolded in the Rajya Sabha after opposition MP O’Brien’s suspension. The Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, warned O’Brien about his disruptive conduct and named him, instructing him to leave the House. Despite this, opposition MPs persisted with their protest. Subsequently, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal proposed a motion under Rule 256 to suspend O’Brien for the remainder of the session, and the motion was adopted via a voice vote. The Chairman declared the suspension, prompting further opposition protests, with members asserting their refusal to tolerate the decision. In response to the turmoil, the Chairman adjourned the House until 2 pm.
The first adjournment of the House occurred earlier in the morning when opposition MPs gathered in the Well of the House, demanding a discussion on the previous day’s security breach in Parliament. At the commencement of the session, Chairman Dhankhar disallowed 28 notices from opposition MPs seeking to suspend business for the day and discuss the “grave breach of security” on December 13. This incident involved an individual jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber, shouting slogans, and triggering a smoke can.
Persisting in their demand for a discussion, opposition MPs moved into the Well of the House, shouting slogans and urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to respond. Chairman Dhankhar, expressing disapproval, condemned the unruly behavior, citing a violation of rules by the MPs. Amidst this, Derek O’Brien moved towards the area in front of the Chair, animatedly expressing himself and gesturing with his arms. Provoked by this, Dhankhar named O’Brien, directing him to exit the House. According to protocol, when the Chair names someone, they are required to withdraw from the proceedings for the day.
Characterizing Derek O’Brien’s actions as a “defiance” of the Chair and “serious misconduct,” Chairman Dhankhar, faced with persistent slogan-shouting, adjourned the House proceedings until 12 noon. Prior to the adjournment, he summoned the floor leaders of political parties for a meeting in his chamber. After the presentation of listed official papers, Dhankhar informed the House that the Lok Sabha speaker, the custodian of the Parliament complex, had initiated a high-level probe into the December 13 security breach. He emphasized that an investigation was underway with an FIR registered. Addressing the security matter as within the Parliament’s domain, Dhankhar asserted that it was being effectively handled. In light of these developments, he clarified that the 28 notices under Rule 267 did not warrant consideration.
Despite the chairman’s call for order, the opposition MPs persisted in the Well of the House, shouting slogans. In response, the chairman urged them to return to their seats, warning of potential stringent actions if they did not comply. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, he stated, “We cannot exemplify our conduct by a misdemeanor, violating rules, not following procedure, or not following directives. This is serious ignominy.” As the opposition MPs remained defiant, refusing to return to their seats, Dhankhar labeled the situation as “serious defiance.” Addressing those in the Well, he cautioned them to take their seats immediately. An argument ensued between Dhankhar and Derek O’Brien, who was attempting to make his point from the Well of the House.
Expressing his frustration, the chairman declared, “Mr. Derek O’Brien says he will not take a seat. Mr. Derek O’Brien says he will defy the chair. Mr. Derek O’Brien says I will not respect the rules,” highlighting O’Brien’s gestures and theatrics as a “serious misconduct.” As the opposition persisted in slogan-shouting, the chairman characterized the incident as “shameful,” emphasizing that it reflected a shift towards a mere “shouting brigade” without a commitment to debate, dialogue, or discussion. Following O’Brien’s movement towards the Chair, Dhankhar named him, directing him to leave the House immediately. Accusing O’Brien of a breach of privilege and expressing concern about his fluctuating demeanor, the chairman took a serious view of the situation before adjourning the proceedings.