Latest news with #RulesofProcedure
United News of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Congress MPs move suspension notices in Rajya Sabha over electoral credibility
New Delhi, Aug 7 (UNI) Congress MPs have submitted notices in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure, seeking the suspension of regular business to initiate a discussion on the integrity and inclusiveness of India's electoral system. Congress MPs Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain and Ranjeet Ranjan urged the House to suspend the Zero Hour and other listed business for August 7 to deliberate on what they described as alarming instances of disenfranchisement of vulnerable communities from electoral rolls. In his notice, Dr. Syed Hussain wrote: 'Serious concerns have risen about the exclusion of already precarious communities from the electoral rolls, particularly in the absence of adequate safeguards, transparency, and due process in their implementation.' Similarly, Rajeet Ranjan in her motion expressed apprehensions about the disenfranchisement of large sections of society. She stated: 'Serious apprehensions regarding the potential disenfranchisement of marginalized sections of society, who face migration, displacement, and documentation-related vulnerabilities need to be discussed to ensure inclusivity in democratic exrecises.' Rule 267 allows a member to seek suspension of the day's business to discuss matters of urgent national importance. However, the acceptance of such motions lies at the discretion of the Chair. The move comes amid heightened concerns within the opposition over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and calls for greater transparency ahead of upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Members of Parliament from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) staged a protest at Makar Dwar inside the Parliament complex today, raising concerns over the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. UNI SQ AAB
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab Assembly turns rowdy as MPAs come to blows
Two PTI lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly were suspended for 15-sittings for their allegedly unruly behavior as the opposition party protested against the de-seating of three of its members following the orders of two anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) in May 9 rioting cases. As the house resumed proceedings on Monday under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer, the opposition lawmakers entered the assembly hall chanting slogans in protest against the disqualification of PTI's three lawmakers. These lawmakers including Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar were found guilty of rioting on May 9, 2023 following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. After the ATCs July 22 order, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also announced their de-seating. Responding to the PTI members' protest, Punjab Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman stated that the opposition was violating its commitment to act in accordance with Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure. Deputy Leader of Opposition Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz requested the chair to stop the proceedings on the assembly's agenda as he sought permission to speak on the sentences awarded to the PTI leaders. Minister Rehman said that Bhachar is like their brother but it is not the government which sentenced him to 10 years of prison. "He has been sentenced by a court over his offence," he added. Acting Speaker Channer said the opposition could not be allowed to discuss court verdicts. He, however, allowed the opposition to express solidarity with the leader of the opposition. As PTI's MPAs criticized the government's response to the ATCs verdicts, the treasury lawmakers lambasted the PTI for its alleged role in May 9 acts of vandalism. PTI's chief whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad placed the Holy Quran on his head and asked the house if he looked like a terrorist and if that was not the case then why different FIRs were registered against him for alleged acts of terror. Acting Speaker Channer urged Ahmad not to use the Holy Quran for politics. The opposition, however, staged a token boycott for alleged breach of their privilege. When the PTI MPAs returned, opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar rushed towards the treasury benches and slapped PML-N lawmaker Hassan Riaz for allegedly using abusive language. This caused a major commotion in the house, with dozens of treasury and opposition lawmakers facing off on the assembly floor. Some senior members intervened to defuse the tension. The acting speaker condemned the act of violence, stating that such behavior is unacceptable. The chair adjourned the proceedings for five minutes and summoned lawmakers of both sides to his chamber. When the house resumed sitting, both sides condemned the incident. Treasury lawmakers said attacking someone was highly regrettable while the deputy opposition leader said that using derogatory and abusive language was also not good. Riaz said according to an order of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, such matters should be referred to the house's ethics committee. Acting Speaker Channer described it as the blackest day in the assembly's history. He said this issue concerned the dignity of the house. He later suspended PTI's Nisar Dogar for 15-sitting. As the opposition MPAs were leaving the house chanting slogans, one PTI MPA, Sheikh Imtiaz, pointed out the lack of quorum. Channer responded that the quorum is complete. However, Imtiaz insisted that there were not enough lawmakers in the house to continue its proceedings. Irked by his insistence, the acting speaker also suspended Sheikh Imtiaz for 15 sittings. After completing agenda items, Channer adjourned proceedings till 2pm today. As lawmakers from both sides came into the media hall, they once again got into an altercation with some private members reportedly using abusive language against PTI's lawmakers. The PTI MPAs termed the act of the members as hooliganism, adding they are being cornered but they will not bow before fascism and cruelty.
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PA turns chaotic after slap sparks scuffle, two MPAs suspended
Listen to article The atmosphere in the Punjab Assembly turned heated as lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition sides clashed, both inside and outside the assembly chambers, following an incident in which an opposition MPA slapped a treasury legislator. The slap came after allegations of derogatory language being used by the treasury member, who narrowly escaped. Outside the assembly chambers, reports emerged that some private staff members of the treasury's MPA had used abusive language against opposition MPAs. As a result, Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer suspended two opposition MPAs for 15 sittings. As the House proceedings began under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Channer, the opposition entered the chamber chanting slogans in protest over the disqualification of PTI's three lawmakers, including the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar. This disqualification followed sentences handed down by anti-terrorism courts in relation to the May 9 incidents. رولز 210 کے تحت خالد نثار ڈوگر کو پندرہ نشستوں کےلیے معطل کردیا گیا۔۔ — Imran Bhatti (@ReporterBhatti) July 28, 2025 Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman strongly opposed the opposition's conduct, saying that they were violating their commitment to act in accordance with Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure. Deputy Opposition Leader Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz requested the chair to halt proceedings on the assembly's agenda, seeking permission to speak on the sentences awarded to PTI's lawmakers, including Opposition Leader Bhachar. Treasury minister Rehman said Bhachar was like a brother to them, but stressed that the government was not responsible for the sentence. He clarified that Bhachar had been sentenced by the court for his actions. Acting Speaker Channer said that discussions on court decisions would not be permitted, but allowed the opposition to express solidarity with Bhachar. As PTI's MPAs expressed their dissatisfaction with the government over the sentences, treasury lawmakers also criticised the opposition, particularly highlighting the May 9 incidents. Read More: ECP disqualifies three PTI lawmakers following ATC verdict in May 9 case PTI's Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, holding the Holy Quran, questioned the House, asking if he looked like a terrorist and why multiple FIRs had been registered against him if he had not been involved in terrorism activities. This prompted a reaction from Acting Speaker Channer, who urged lawmakers to avoid politicising the Holy Quran. The opposition then staged a token boycott, arguing that their privileges had been violated due to the sentences. Upon returning, an argument between Deputy Opposition Leader Riaz and Acting Speaker Channer escalated when opposition lawmaker Khalid Nisar Dogar rushed toward the treasury benches and slapped PML-N MPA Hassan Riaz, accusing him of using abusive language despite repeated requests to stop. The incident quickly escalated, with both sides facing off. Some senior lawmakers intervened to calm the situation. Acting Speaker Channer condemned the behaviour, stating, "Dogar Sahib, you did not act appropriately. Such conduct is not tolerable in the assembly." The House was adjourned for five minutes as Acting Speaker Channer summoned the lawmakers from both sides to his chamber. Upon resumption, both sides condemned the altercation. The treasury side expressed regret over the attack, while Deputy Opposition Leader Riaz remarked that using derogatory language was also unacceptable. He added that, according to the speaker's order, the matter should have been referred to the concerned ethics committee. Also Read: Police suspect Sidra Arab killed by strangulation Acting Speaker Channer stated, "Today, I consider this to be one of the darkest days in this assembly." He emphasised that the issue was not just about two lawmakers but the dignity of the House itself. He ruled to suspend Khalid Nisar Dogar for 15 sittings. As the opposition left the House chanting slogans, MPA Sheikh Imtiaz pointed out a lack of quorum, which prompted a response from Channer confirming that quorum was met. However, Imtiaz persisted with his objection, leading to his suspension for 15 sittings as well. After completing the agenda items, Acting Speaker Channer adjourned the House until 2 pm on July 29. As lawmakers from both sides entered the media hall, another scuffle broke out. However, no physical attacks were reported this time. Outside the assembly chambers, some private members were reported to have shouted and used abusive language against PTI lawmakers. The opposition condemned the actions of the private members, calling them "hooliganism" and stating that they would not bow down to fascism and cruelty despite being cornered.
ITV News
28-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee appoints Steve Falla as interim External Relations Lead
Deputy Steve Falla has been appointed as Guernsey's interim Lead Member for External Relations and Constitutional Affairs. The decision has been made by the remaining politicians on the island's Policy and Resources Committee following Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq's arrest on suspicion of telecommunications offences. Guernsey Police have since released Le Tocq, no charges have been made and enquiries continue - he has been taken off all committee business by Policy and Resources while the investigation is ongoing. The States of Guernsey says it is a requirement under the Rules of Procedure for a Lead Member to be in post, hence Falla's appointment. Falla was re-elected in June with the fourth most public votes and then appointed to the island's top political committee unopposed.
HKFP
24-07-2025
- Politics
- HKFP
New code of conduct for lawmakers to introduce meeting attendance requirements, tougher penalties
Hong Kong lawmakers have unanimously approved a new code of conduct that specifies requirements for meeting attendance, voting, and other duties while introducing tougher penalties for misconduct. Eighty-eight lawmakers on Thursday voted for two motions by legislator Paul Tse aimed at enhancing the Legislative Council (LegCo)'s operations. It came a day after they also unanimously passed the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill, which outlines the implementation of the code at the core of the two motions. LegCo President Andrew Leung hailed the passages, saying they marked a 'new milestone' for the opposition-free legislature, as he led a group of veteran lawmakers to meet reporters after the vote. '[The new code of conduct] stipulates the requirement for the behaviour and performance of lawmakers, so that there will be rules to follow for lawmakers in the new term,' Leung said in Cantonese. The code will take effect when the new LegCo term begins on January 1 next year. Leung did not cast a vote on Thursday in keeping with the tradition of the LegCo president maintaining neutrality. The new Code for Members of the Legislative Council states that legislators should attend meetings and 'actively and conscientiously' participate in voting. Absence without a valid reason that causes disruption to LegCo meetings could result in a financial penalty for lawmakers, according to the new rules. The LegCo's existing Rules of Procedure do not explicitly set out attendance requirements for lawmakers, except for mandating quorum for its general and committee meetings, in which a minimum number of lawmakers must be present for the meeting to begin. The new code also requires lawmakers to 'sincerely support' the chief executive and the government. It says they should not 'deliberately undermine or weaken the effectiveness of executive-led governance.' Lawmakers must adhere to strict rules when declaring their interests, including those related to employment, election donations, sponsorships and gifts, the code stipulates. As part of the changes, the Committee on Members' Interests will be empowered to investigate complaints against lawmakers and recommend sanctions. The committee will be renamed the 'Legislative Council Supervisory Committee.' Misconduct under the new code could be met with sanctions ranging from a written warning to suspension of duties. A suspended lawmaker will not receive pay and allowance, including end-of-service gratuity, during the period of suspension. During the meeting on Thursday, lawmaker Tse, who also chairs LegCo's Committee on Rules of Procedure, described enacting the new code of conduct as a means of 'mending the fold after a sheep is lost,' using a common Chinese idiom. 'Although the current [LegCo] term has been more efficient than previous terms… we still hope to further regulate the work of lawmakers,' Tse said in Cantonese. Beijing overhauled Hong Kong's LegCo elections in 2021 to ensure only 'patriots' hold office. The move reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control of elections and introduced a pro-Beijing panel to vet candidates. Most of the city's opposition politicians have either been jailed, left Hong Kong, or quit politics after Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020 following large-scale pro-democracy protests and unrest. The current Legislative Council term began in 2022 and will finish at the end of the year. Elections are scheduled for December. Leung said the new rules would not deter potential candidates from running in the LegCo elections. Martin Liao, a veteran lawmaker, said it would be 'fair' for the candidates to understand society's expectations for a lawmaker before running for a seat. 'I think the legislators in the next term are expected to comply with the [new] rules of procedures just inasmuch as we are expected to comply with our current rules of procedures,' Liao added.
