Rajya Sabha MPs Move Privilege Motion Against Ranjan Gogoi

The notice was sent in relation to certain comments made by Justice Gogoi in response to a question on his attendance in the Rajya Sabha in an interview with NDTV on 9^th December, 2021. The notice said Gogoi's remarks, in an interview to a TV channel, are in contempt of the Rajya Sabha and undermined the dignity of the House and constituted a breach of privilege.

The notice cited Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States. Under the said rule, a Rajya Sabha member can, after consent of the Chairman (Vice-President of India), raise a question of a breach of privilege of a member of the House.

The notice stated that in an interview to NDTV, Justice Gogoi had said, among other things, that as an independent member he attends the Rajya Sabha when he wants.

The former Chief Justice had also said:

" I go the the Rajya Sabha when I feel like, when I think there are matters of importance on which I should speak. I am a nominated member not governed by any party whip. Therefore, whenever the bell rings for the party members to come, it does not bind me. I go there of my choice and come out on my choice. I am an independent member of the House."

In response to a question on him joining the Rajya Sabha only four months after his retirement as Chief Justice of India, he has said:

"What is this magic about Rajya Sabha? I would have been better off in terms of pay if I had been member of Tribunal."

In the context of these comments. The notices said that precedents and practice show that the Committee of Privileges has the jurisdiction to examine the alleged breach of privilege even if the remarks were uttered outside the Rajya Sabha. The MPs asked for the Committee's intervention and sought to refer the question of breach of privilege before it.