Recently, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar called for introspection among parliamentarians regarding the frequent use of Rule 267, terming it an “indiscriminate resort” to the provision.
- Since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha has been facing disruptions and protests due to differences between the Opposition and the government regarding the discussion on the Manipur situation.
- The Chairman said that in the past 36 years, Rule 267 has been allowed only on six occasions. Despite this, Dhankhar said that he receives notices invoking the rule in every sitting of the session.
- Rule 267 and Rule 176 are specific rules of procedure in the Rajya Sabha. These rules regulate the conduct of business and allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise important issues for discussion and debate.
Rule 267
- Rule 267, part of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, allows members to move for the suspension of rules to discuss urgent matters.
- The motion is put to vote if the Chair allows but it doesn’t apply if specific provisions for rule suspension exist.
Rule 176
- Rule 176 is another rule of procedure in the Rajya Sabha that allows for short-duration discussions.
- As the name suggests, these discussions do not last for more than two-and-a-half hours.
- Unlike Rule 267, Rule 176 does not require a formal motion or voting process.
- In short, Rule 267 is invoked to suspend rules for urgent debates, while Rule 176 facilitates short-duration discussions without the need for formal motions or voting.
