Rahul Gandhi Returns as MP After 136 Days: Lok Sabha Secretariat Issues Notification

In a momentous turn of events, Rahul Gandhi has successfully regained his Member of Parliament (MP) post after a hiatus of 136 days, following relief from the Supreme Court in the Modi surname defamation case. The official notification for his reentry into Parliament has been announced, capturing the attention of the nation. With all eyes on Rahul Gandhi, the nation eagerly awaits whether he will be present in Parliament today, signifying a crucial moment in the political arena.

Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha Membership Restored After Supreme Court Stays Sentence in Modi Surname Case

In a significant development, Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha membership has been restored following a two-year absence, during which he served a sentence in the Modi surname case. The prominent leader left Parliament on March 24 after facing legal consequences but received a major reprieve on August 4 when the Supreme Court stayed his sentence. This report examines the events leading to the restoration of his membership and the implications of his return to the parliamentary fold.

As of August 5, the following events have taken place regarding Rahul Gandhi’s return to his MP post after the Supreme Court order:

August 4:

• The Supreme Court issued an order staying the sentence in the Modi surname case, providing a major reprieve to Rahul Gandhi.
• In response to the court order, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and made a formal request to reinstate Rahul Gandhi’s membership in the Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker informed Chaudhary that he would only take a decision on the matter after receiving the official order from the Supreme Court.

August 5:

• Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary sent the necessary documents related to Rahul Gandhi’s return to the Lok Sabha Secretariat by post. These documents likely include the Supreme Court’s order and any other relevant paperwork.
• Due to the Speaker’s leave, an under secretary at the Lok Sabha Secretariat received the papers sent by Chaudhary and signed them. However, it is noted that the papers were not stamped at this stage.

Today, Four Bills Will Be Introduced in the Lok Sabha

Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023:

The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, will be introduced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. This bill aims to provide a robust framework for safeguarding individuals’ personal data in the digital realm. It is designed to address concerns related to data privacy, security, and consent in the digital ecosystem.

Research National Research Foundation Bill, 2023:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh will present the Research National Research Foundation Bill, 2023. This bill seeks to establish the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is aimed at promoting and funding research activities across various disciplines in India. The NRF is envisioned to support and enhance the country’s research capabilities and foster innovation.

Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023:

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will introduce the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill aims to amend and strengthen existing laws related to the pharmacy sector. It may encompass measures to regulate and streamline pharmaceutical practices, improve drug availability, and enhance the quality of healthcare services in the country.

Mediation Bill, 2023:

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present the Mediation Bill, 2023. This bill is expected to focus on the promotion and adoption of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. By encouraging mediation, the bill seeks to expedite the resolution of legal disputes, reduce the burden on the judiciary, and foster a more efficient legal system.

These bills are of great significance as they pertain to diverse areas of governance and are expected to be subject to thorough debate and discussion in the Lok Sabha before they can be passed into law. Their introduction marks a crucial step in the legislative process and reflects the government’s commitment to addressing key issues and promoting development in various sectors.

BJP MP Ramshankar Katheria from Etawah has been sentenced to two years imprisonment and fined Rs 50,000 by the MP/MLA court on August 5. The court found him guilty of assaulting and causing mischief to an official of an electricity supply company owned by Torrent. Notably, at the time of the incident, Katheria was serving as the Union Minister of State and was the MP from Agra.

The incident in question took place on November 16, 2011. Following the two-year sentence, there is a possibility that Katheria may be stripped of his parliamentary membership. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to make this decision, and it is expected that the matter will be addressed today.

The Delhi Service Bill is scheduled to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 7, following its successful introduction and passage in the Lok Sabha on August 3. The bill aims to address and regulate certain administrative and service matters within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

According to sources, Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi is likely to lead the debate on behalf of the opposition when the Delhi Service Bill is introduced in the Rajya Sabha. Singhvi’s role in arguing for the Kejriwal government in the Supreme Court on the matter of deregulation of administrative services in Delhi adds significance to his involvement in the discussion on this bill.

What Happened in Parliament During Rahul’s Absence?

During Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament, several notable events and legislative actions took place:

Uproar in the Budget Session:

Rahul Gandhi was stripped of his parliamentary membership during this year’s budget session, leading to uproar and protests by opposition leaders. On April 5-6, opposition parties created a ruckus in the House over the issue of Rahul’s candidature, reflecting the contentious nature of his absence.

Inauguration of New Parliament Building:

On May 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building. However, during the ceremony, a significant number of parties, including the Congress, boycotted the event. This gesture highlighted the opposition’s stance and their dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s absence.

Passing of Delhi Services Bill in Lok Sabha:

During Rahul’s absence, the Delhi Services Bill was passed in the current Monsoon session. The bill, which aims to replace an existing ordinance, seeks to overturn a Supreme Court order that had granted control of most services to the Delhi government. This legislation has been a subject of contention and disagreement between the Delhi government and the central government.

In total, 19 bills were introduced in Parliament during Rahul Gandhi’s absence. His absence during these significant legislative actions underscored the impact of his non-participation in parliamentary proceedings and debates. With his return, his presence is likely to influence future discussions and proceedings in the House.

The sequence of events surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s loss and subsequent restoration of his MP status has indeed raised important legal and constitutional considerations. After losing his parliamentary membership for 133 days due to a two-year sentence handed down by lower courts in a defamation case related to the Modi surname, the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the conviction holds significant implications.

The Supreme Court’s stay on Rahul Gandhi’s conviction effectively puts the sentence on hold until the hearing on his petition is completed. This move acknowledges the importance of individual rights while ensuring that the representation of the constituency in the Lok Sabha is not compromised during the period of the stay.

However, it is noteworthy that as a result of the maximum sentence, one Lok Sabha seat will remain without an MP until the matter is resolved. This raises concerns regarding the rights of the voters of that particular constituency, as they are temporarily deprived of representation in Parliament.

The case highlights the complex balance between individual rights and the collective rights of voters in a democracy. While the stay allows Rahul Gandhi to resume his parliamentary duties during the pendency of the hearing, it also leaves one constituency without representation, impacting the constituents’ right to representation and participation in legislative matters.