CHAIRMAN REJECTS PLEA FOR INTERIM LEADER
Why in the News?
- Rajya Sabha Chairman, rejects AAP party’s plea to appoint Raghav Chadha as the interim leader in the upper house, replacing Sanjay Singh.
- The request was made due to Singh’s absence during the winter session, as he is in judicial custody related to the Delhi liquor scam case.
Legal Basis for Denial:
- Chairman cites the absence of a provision to appoint an interim leader in the house, referring to “The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998” and its rules.
- The denial states that the request does not conform to the applicable legal regime.
The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998“
Purpose: · Provide facilities to leaders and chief whips of recognized parties and groups in Parliament. Recognition Conditions: · Parties: Minimum strength of 25 in Lok Sabha or 10 in Rajya Sabha. · Groups: Recognized by both Houses after considering factors like size and stability. Implementation: · Central Government oversees the Act. · Rules made by the Government specify details like phone limits and secretarial arrangements. Significance: · Supports effective functioning of party leaders and whips in Parliament. · Helps bridge resource disparities between major and smaller parties/groups |