The main opposition party submitted a breach of privilege notice against the Prime Minister for making “derogatory” remarks against the former vice president and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Breach of Privilege
- When any individual or authority undermines any of the privileges, rights, and immunities, either of the Members individually or of the House in its collective capacity, the offence is called a breach of privilege and is punishable by the House.
- Additionally, any actions that disrespect the House’s authority or dignity, like ignoring its orders or insulting its members, committees, or officers, are considered breaches of privilege.
Contempt of House vs Points Of Propriety
- Contempt of House: It is defined generally as any act which obstructs either member or house of parliament in the performance of its duty and functions.
- Points Of Propriety: Parliament and its members must follow specific practices and conventions, and violating these is considered ‘impropriety’.
Power of Parliament To Punish
- Each House of Parliament is the guardian of its own privileges.
- Courts of law in India have recognised that a House of Parliament (or a State Legislature) is the sole authority to judge as to whether or not there has been a breach of privilege of the House in a particular case.
- The House may punish a person found guilty of breach of privileges or contempt of the House either by reprimand or admonition or by imprisonment for a specified period.
- In addition, the house can punish its members in two other ways namely suspension from its service and expulsion.
- However, in case of unconditional apology by the member, house normally in interest of its dignity avoids pursuing the matter further.
- Procedure: The procedure for dealing with questions of privilege is laid down in Rules 187 to 203 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
- A question of privilege may be raised in the House only after obtaining the consent of the Chairman.
- The question whether a matter is actually a breach of privilege or contempt of the House is entirely for the House to decide.
Breach of Privilege by Member of Another House
- According to the 1954 Joint Report of the Committees of Privileges, when a breach of privilege involving House personnel is raised in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, the Presiding Officer refers the case to the other House’s Presiding Officer.
- The latter handles it in the same manner as breach of their own House’s privilege and reports back on the enquiry and actions taken.