New Delhi

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday clarified that discussions under Rule 267 can only be held on items already listed in the day’s agenda and cannot be used to raise unrelated issues.

He noted that opposition MPs have routinely submitted notices seeking to suspend the day’s business for other topics, but such notices have not been accepted in over two decades. The Chairman stressed that Rule 267 is not equivalent to an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha and can only suspend a rule to take up matters related to the listed business.

Tracing its history, Radhakrishnan said the rule was amended in 2000 to prevent misuse, following recommendations from a committee headed by then-Chairman Krishan Kant. Since the amendment, discussions under Rule 267 have occurred only on rare occasions with consensus.

A valid notice under Rule 267 must relate to a listed agenda item, specify the rule to be suspended, and present clear grounds. Notices failing to meet these criteria will not be considered.

READ MORE: When neighbours saved my family and firmed my faith in inclusive India

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concern that opposition MPs lack avenues for urgent discussions, while Leader of the House J P Nadda said the government is willing to discuss all topics and has accommodated issues raised by the opposition in previous sessions.