Clash In The Rajya Sabha: Understanding The Rajya Sabha Chairman’s Powers

Introduction

A verbal clash is ongoing between Jaya Bachchan, a senior and prominent Rajya Sabha Member and Jagdeep Dhankar who is the Chairman Rajya Sabha. The clash between them has resulted in heated exchange of disagreements and has become a subject to parliamentary attention. 
Keeping the ongoing scenario in mind, let’s examine the constitutional powers vested in the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and further the range of disciplinary measures and sanctions that could be invoked against an MP in consequence of disciplinary or parliamentary breach.

Rajya Sabha Chairman’s constitutional powers

The Chairman holds a significant constitutional position. The Chairman’s constitutional powers can be seen as follows:

1. The Chairman’s principal responsibility is to maintain order and decorum in the Rajya Sabha ensuring orderly conduct of proceedings.
2. Before discussing a breach of privilege in the house, the members of the house are required to have the Chairman's consent.
3. The Chairman has unshared power to interpret the constitution and rules for the Rajya Sabha. Their decisions on these matters are final and can’t be argued.
4. The Chairman has power to put sanctions or even disqualify a member of Rajya Sabha on grounds of disciplinary breach or misconduct. 

The disciplinary measures or sanctions that may be invoked against an MP

1.    Short-term and immediate sanctions:
When the chairman is satisfied that a disciplinary breach or any misconduct has taken place by an MP, the Chairman publicly identifies the breach and then a verbal or written warning is served by the Chairman to the concerned MP. The warning may include suspension of attendance or  suspension of speaking or voting right, or expulsion from the house, either for a day or for a specified period. 

The disciplinary measures or sanctions that may be invoked against an MP

2.    Long-term and severe sanctions:
The suspension may get severe based on the severity of the misconduct. The chairman may remove the MP from  committee memberships (if any), or may suspend any or all privileges. 
The chairman can even impose a fine or penalty based on the gravity of their non-compliance.