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

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