New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken up a petition filed by Raghav Chadha, a Member of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenging his suspension from the Rajya Sabha. Chadha’s suspension came about due to allegations of him forging MP’s signatures and nominating them for a panel without their consent.
In response to Chadha’s petition, the Supreme Court has requested a response from the Rajya Sabha secretariat. Sought the assistance of the Attorney General of India. The case is set for its hearing on October 30.
During the hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of deciding whether a member can be suspended from the Rajya Sabha while an inquiry into their conduct is ongoing. In August Raghav Chadha was suspended following complaints from four MPs who accused him of including their names in a house panel without their approval. This panel was tasked with reviewing the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which aimed to grant authority to the government in governing Delhi. The bill has since been enacted into law.
Following allegations made by these MPs, the matter was referred to the privileges committee within Parliament for investigation. The resolution put forward by Piyush Goyal, the Leader of The House was approved by the Rajya Sabha. As per the resolution, Chadha will be suspended until the panel completes its investigation. Goyal described Chadha’s behaviour, in the House as “unethical” and a violation of the rules.