Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday called for introspection among parliamentarians regarding the frequent use of Rule 267, terming it an “indiscriminate resort” to the provision.

As the Upper House convened for its 265th session, Dhankhar announced the rejection of five notices filed under Rule 267, expressing concern over its liberal application. “Such a liberal use of Rule 267 is not doing any good to us,” Dhankhar said, reminding members that the rule was last invoked in 2016.

The Chairman said that in the past 36 years, Rule 267 has been allowed only on six occasions. Despite this, Dhankhar said that he receives notices invoking the rule in every sitting of the session. He urged members and floor leaders to “seriously reflect and introspect” on this practice.

Rule 267, part of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, allows members to move for the suspension of rules to discuss urgent matters. However, its frequent use has become a point of contention between the Opposition and the Rajya Sabha presiding officers under the current government.

Critics argue that the Opposition has been attempting to use Rule 267 as an equivalent to the adjournment motion in Lok Sabha, which allows for the scheduled business to be set aside to discuss matters of urgent public importance.

Dhankhar’s comments come after rejecting similar notices on Monday, citing non-conformity with the rule’s requirements and given directions. The Chairman’s call for restraint highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of parliamentary procedures and the balance between addressing urgent matters and maintaining the scheduled business of the House.

(Inputs from ANI)