Disciplinary Powers of Parliamentary Presiding Officers

Parliamentary presiding officers maintain order by regulating debate, enforcing procedural rules and acting against disorderly members. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha may call members to order, direct withdrawal, initiate suspension and control proceedings, subject to the Constitution and the rules of each House.

Constitutional and procedural basis

Under Article 118, each House may make rules regulating its procedure and conduct of business. Members' freedom of speech under Article 105 is subject to the Constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating parliamentary procedure.

• The presiding officer decides points of order, enforces speaking rules and requires members to obey the Chair.
• The power to suspend a member ordinarily belongs to the House, although the presiding officer initiates the process by naming the member.

Measures against disorderly members

• The Chair may call a member to order, direct the member to resume their seat or discontinue a speech, and prevent irrelevant or repetitive discussion.
• Under Lok Sabha Rule 373 and Rajya Sabha Rule 255, the presiding officer may direct a disorderly member to withdraw for the remainder of that day's sitting.
• Under Lok Sabha Rule 374 and Rajya Sabha Rule 256, the Chair may name a member, after which the House may suspend the member for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session.
• Under Lok Sabha Rule 374A, specified grave misconduct can result in automatic suspension for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less.
• The presiding officer may order defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary or undignified words to be expunged from the official proceedings.

Control of the sitting and limits

In grave disorder, the presiding officer may adjourn the House or suspend the sitting for a specified time under Lok Sabha Rule 375 or Rajya Sabha Rule 257. These immediate measures differ from punishment for breach of privilege or contempt, which is imposed by the House collectively.

• The Chair must balance orderly business with members' freedom of speech and the opposition's right to scrutinise the government.
• Suspension temporarily excludes a member from proceedings; expulsion is a distinct and more serious action of the House.