Congress MP Moves Privilege Notice in Lok Sabha Over PM Residence Protest
Hibi Eden alleges breach of parliamentary privileges after Rahul Gandhi and Congress MPs were detained during demonstration in Delhi
New Delhi, July 23: Congress MP Hibi Eden has submitted a notice in the Lok Sabha seeking to move a privilege motion, alleging that the parliamentary rights and privileges of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and several Congress women MPs were violated during their detention following a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence earlier this week.
In a letter addressed to the Lok Sabha Secretary General, Eden claimed that the peaceful demonstration was disrupted by police action, resulting in the alleged manhandling of opposition legislators. He urged the Speaker to take cognisance of what he described as a serious breach of parliamentary privileges and initiate appropriate proceedings.
According to the notice, Congress MPs had assembled on July 21 to express solidarity with students and young aspirants protesting against alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities in competitive recruitment tests. The opposition has also been demanding accountability from the Centre and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue.
Eden alleged that despite the protest remaining non-violent, police personnel forcibly removed the demonstrators. He claimed Rahul Gandhi was dragged away and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium, describing the incident as an affront to the constitutional position held by the Leader of the Opposition.
The Congress leader argued that the treatment meted out to Gandhi reflected disregard for parliamentary conventions and democratic values. He maintained that the office of the Leader of the Opposition carries significant constitutional importance and deserves institutional respect.
The notice also raised concerns over the alleged handling of Congress women MPs during the protest. Eden claimed that several women legislators were physically manhandled while participating in the demonstration, calling the incident a violation of their rights as elected representatives.
Referring to the student protests that preceded the MPs’ demonstration, Eden alleged that security personnel had used excessive force against young protesters demanding action over examination-related controversies. He said Congress had taken up the issue in support of students affected by alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities.
The privilege motion further contended that the actions of law enforcement authorities amounted to an infringement of the MPs’ right to peacefully protest and express their views on matters of public importance.
The notice comes after Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and several opposition leaders staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. The demonstration in the high-security zone prompted intervention by senior government officials, including Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, who held discussions with the protesting leaders.
As the talks failed to produce a resolution, police later detained Gandhi and other opposition leaders, transporting them to Chhatrasal Stadium before releasing them later in the evening.
The government has not yet issued a detailed response to the privilege notice. The matter is now expected to be examined in accordance with the parliamentary procedures governing privilege motions in the Lok Sabha.
