Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has lifted the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha's membership from the Rajya Sabha. The suspension, initiated during the Monsoon session of Parliament, was revoked following a motion presented by BJP Member of Parliament GVL Narasimha Rao.

Parliament hosted a Privileges Committee meeting of the Rajya Sabha this afternoon to deliberate on the suspension issue concerning the AAP leader. In a video message, Chadha said "The intervention by the Supreme Court led to the revocation of my suspension (from the Rajya Sabha as a member). The suspension was revoked through a motion moved in the House. I was kept suspended for 115 days, and I could not ask people's questions during the period. Today, I thank the honorable Supreme Court and the Rajya Sabha Chairman."

He added, "We will continue to fight for the rights of the public, raise the issues affecting them and question the government."

On August 11 of this year, Chadha faced suspension from the Upper House on grounds of a "breach of privilege" following complaints lodged against him. The suspension was triggered by allegations that the Member of Parliament failed to seek consent from five Rajya Sabha MPs before incorporating their names into a select committee.

The suspension, extending until the Privilege Committee concluded its investigation into the accusation, stemmed from claims that Chadha forged the signatures of five MPs in a motion linked to the Delhi Services Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

In response to the suspension, Chadha, deeming it patently illegal and lacking legal authority, took the matter to the Supreme Court. His plea challenged the indefinite suspension imposed on him by the Upper House.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed optimism that the chairperson would consider the matter with sympathy.

The bench documented statements from Chadha's lawyer, affirming that the MP harbours no intention to undermine the dignity of the House, of which he is a member. It was conveyed that Chadha intends to seek an appointment with the Rajya Sabha Chairperson to extend an unconditional apology.

Image source: ANI