Marshals can expel unruly MPs: RS reply

Rules permit use of marshals to evict MPs from the House those indulging in a behaviour similar to that of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Rajniti Prasad, who tore a copy of the Lokpal Bill on December 29, the Rajya Sabha secretariat has said.

Rules permit use of marshals to evict MPs from the House those indulging in a behaviour similar to that of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Rajniti Prasad, who tore a copy of the Lokpal Bill on December 29, the Rajya Sabha secretariat has said.

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In response to an RTI application from activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal, the secretariat has stated that it is the prerogative of the Rajya Sabha chairman to take action against any MP for unruly behaviour.

It has, however, made it clear that no explanation has been sought from Prasad so far for his unruly behaviour.

Replying to a query on Rajniti Prasad’s behaviour, the RTI reply stated :“The concerned member was cautioned by the Chair in the House at the time of the incident. There is however, no file/document etc., in this regard.” On whether use of marshals was permissible under the rules to expel MPs like Prasad for such behaviour, the Rajya Sabha secretariat replied: “Yes… Marshals were present in the House at the time of the incident.”