Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked; Speaker Birla says no more display of banners, posters

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) revoked with immediate effect the suspension of eight opposition members who were barred from the House on February 3 for “unruly” behaviour, with Speaker Om Birla stressing that there should be no display of placards, posters, photos or AI-generated images inside the House or in the Parliament complex.

Congress member K. Suresh requested the House to consider the revocation of the eight opposition members, saying whatever had happened in the House was regrettable, and that his party was ready to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House.

Following the submissions by several opposition members, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said there was a need to draw a “Laxman Rekha” for the smooth functioning of the House, which both treasury and opposition benches agreed to.

Speaker Birla said there is a need to ensure that no placards, posters, photos or AI-generated images are displayed in the House or inside the Parliament complex.

Mr. Birla said that everyone is of the opinion that proceedings in Parliament of the world’s largest democracy should be smooth and everyone should cooperate.

Mr. Rijiju then moved a motion to remove the suspension of seven Congress MPs and one CPI-M member, which was adopted by a voice vote.

-PTI