Lok Sabha Suspends TMC MP for Unparliamentary Conduct: Parliamentary Privileges Under Scrutiny

Hindustan Times - India · 23 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Polity and constitution High relevance

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was suspended from Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon Session for using unparliamentary language against a woman MP, highlighting issues of parliamentary decorum and gender sensitivity in legislative proceedings.

Key points

Kalyan Banerjee, TMC MP, was suspended by voice vote for using unparliamentary language against NCPI woman MPs, marking a significant disciplinary action during the Monsoon Session.

The suspension was based on Rule 374A of Lok Sabha Rules, which allows for immediate suspension for grave disorder, demonstrating the House's authority to maintain decorum.

Presiding Officer Krishna Prasad Tenneti ruled that Banerjee's remarks 'hurt the dignity of the House', emphasizing parliamentary privilege and institutional respect.

The incident occurred amid Opposition protests over NEET paper leaks, showing how disciplinary actions can intersect with broader political confrontations in Parliament.

NCPI MPs Mitali Bagh and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar met Speaker Om Birla separately, indicating the gender dimension of parliamentary misconduct cases.

This connects to GS2-Polity as it involves parliamentary procedures, privileges, and the balance between free speech and legislative decorum under Articles 105 and 121 of the Constitution.

[GS2-Governance] The suspension raises questions about institutional mechanisms for addressing gender-based misconduct in legislatures, a growing governance concern.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions between TMC and rebel MPs who joined NCPI after West Bengal elections, showing how intra-party conflicts spill into parliamentary proceedings.

Way Forward: Parliament should establish clear guidelines for gender-sensitive language, create an independent ethics committee for misconduct cases, and mandate sensitivity training for MPs to prevent recurrence.

Key terms

Rule 374A of Lok Sabha Rules

A disciplinary rule allowing immediate suspension of MPs for grave disorder without debate. Part of Parliament's authority to maintain decorum under Article 118 (rules of procedure). Important for understanding legislative functioning and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Unparliamentary Language

Expressions deemed offensive or inappropriate for parliamentary discourse, as defined by the Speaker's discretion. Relates to constitutional morality (Article 51A) and institutional dignity. Recent expansions of the banned words list make this a current polity topic.

Voice Vote

A parliamentary procedure where decisions are made by auditory assessment of 'ayes' and 'nays' rather than recorded division. Used for non-controversial matters, its application in suspensions raises questions about procedural fairness - relevant for GS2's legislative processes topic.

Parliamentary Privileges

Special rights and immunities enjoyed by MPs under Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution to ensure effective functioning of legislatures. Includes freedom of speech (with reasonable restrictions), immunity from legal action for parliamentary proceedings, and right to regulate internal affairs. UPSC relevance lies in balancing privileges with accountability.