Vice-President Dhankhar Criticizes Indiscriminate Use of Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha

Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called on parliamentarians to reflect on their frequent use of Rule 267 notices, describing it as an 'indiscriminate resort.' Dhankhar emphasized that Rule 267 has been rarely invoked in the past, urging members to adhere to its intended purpose.

Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Tuesday implored parliamentarians and floor leaders to critically evaluate their frequent use of Rule 267 notices, a provision he deemed as being over-utilized. Dhankhar revealed that five notices under Rule 267 were received but subsequently rejected.

'Such a liberal use of Rule 267 is not doing any good to us,' Dhankhar stated, highlighting that the rule was last accepted in 2016. Over the past 36 years, Rule 267 has been applied sparingly, with only six instances recorded, yet it is being cited in every sitting, he pointed out.

Rule 267 allows members to, with the Chairman's consent, suspend any rule in relation to current business. However, this rule has become a contentious point between the Opposition and Rajya Sabha presiding officers. Similar notices were rejected on Monday, reflecting ongoing criticisms over the rule's misuse.