Hooda suggests amendments to rein in unruly MPs

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda has proposed amendments to the parliamentary rules of business to provide that unruly behaviour of MPs be taken as a breach of privilege of the House.

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda has proposed amendments to the parliamentary rules of business to provide that unruly behaviour of MPs be taken as a breach of privilege of the House.

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In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, Hooda has proposed amendments to Rule 374 A of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of business of the Lok Sabha to ensure that unruly conduct is referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigations and report.

In a petition to the Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha, Hooda has also called for amending Rule 375 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct to deter disruptions by imposition of appropriate penalties on MPs or political parties that cause disorder.

He has also called for amending Rule 3 and Rule 13 to make it mandatory for the Parliament to meet and function for a minimum of 150 days in a year.

Hooda also plans to introduce a private members bill, seeking to have a legislation enacted to such effect.

"The constant disruptions in Lok Sabha are not only causing huge losses to the public exchequer but are also resulting in widespread public disillusionment with the functioning of our parliament in particular and with the conduct of MPs in general. The recent trend is quite disturbing", the Rohtak MP said in a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.