Rahul Gandhi's 'indecent, undignified' Lok Sabha speech expunged: What's the mechanism of expunction

A number of remarks made by the leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi have been expunged from the Parliament.

Gandhi on Monday delivered his first speech as the LoP and to back his statements, the leader came prepared with photos of religious figures and a copy of the constitution.

From slamming the government for creating a communal divide to highlighting the “systematic assault of the constitution”, the Congress leader’s remarks drew strong criticism from the ruling party including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who interjected his speech at least twice.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks caused a furore in the House with PM Modi likely to give a response in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as he will present his motion of thanks to the President’s address.

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The expunged statements

• Gandhi, during his speech, launched a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ideological mentor RSS, saying “Those who call themselves Hindus only talk about violence, hatred and lies.”  This remark has been expunged

• The LoP also pointed out how PM Modi “does not look at him” and “does not greet him.” This statement has been expunged

• Raking up the NEET row once again, Gandhi said, “The exams are biased towards rich students. You (centre) have centralised the entire examination process in Kota and are making money out of it.” This comment has been expunged

• The Congress MP from Rae Bareli criticised the government for treating minorities including Sikhs, Muslims and Christians. This remark has been expunged

• Gandhi’s “BJP’s Agniveer is not a scheme for the Army but for the PMO” statement has also been expunged

How are remarks of MPs expunged?

A parliamentarian enjoys certain privileges inside the house to allow him or her to discharge their duties freely and without the fear of retribution. These immunities are awarded to the member of parliament by the house who is also well within its right to take action against an individual in case privileges are breached.

The main goal of these privileges is to provide a platform for the MP to speak in a free and fearless manner. For example, an MP is immune from any legal action for things said or any vote given in the parliament.

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In cases of expunction, the parliament has the authority to remove records of speeches or portions of the speeches made by a member of the house.

As per the General Rules of Procedure of Parliament, “If the Chairman is of opinion that a word or words have or have been used in the debate which is or are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, he may in his discretion, order that such word or words be expunged from the proceedings of the Council.”