What is Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha?

About Rule 267:

 

• According to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), Rule 267 relates to the suspension of rules.
• It says, “Any member may, with the consent of the Chairman, move that any rule may be suspended in its application to a motion related to the business listed before the Council of that day, and if the motion is carried, the rule in question shall be suspended for the time being;  provided further that this rule shall not apply where specific provision already exists for suspension of a rule under a particular chapter of the Rules.”
• Simply put, under Rule 267, Rajya Sabha MPs can submit a written notice to suspend all listed business in the House and discuss an issue of importance that the country is facing.
• A motion under Rule 267 indicates that a matter was serious enough for the House to suspend its normal business to take it up.
• The rule further says, "The Chairman alone has the power to give consent for moving of a motion for suspension of a rule, and it is for the House to decide whether a particular rule should be suspended or not."
• Thus, it is the discretion of the Chairman to decide whether to allow a motion under Rule 267, as it states that “the consent of the Chairman" is required for a member to bring such a motion.
• However, this rule does not apply where specific provisions already exist for the  suspension of a rule under a particular chapter of the rules.
• Who can issue Rule 267?
  • Any member of the Rajya Sabha can issue a notice to the Chairperson for a discussion on any subject under Rule 267.
• When was Rule 267 last invoked?
  • The last time it was used was in November 2016, when the Upper House invoked Rule 267 to discuss demonetisation.

 

---

Q1) What is Rule 176 in Rajya Sabha?

Rule 176 allows for a short-duration discussion, not exceeding two-and-a-half hours, on a particular issue. It states that "any member desirous of raising discussion on a matter of urgent public importance may give notice in writing to the Secretary-General specifying clearly and precisely the matter to be raised: Provided that the notice shall be accompanied by an explanatory note stating reasons for raising discussion on the matter in question: Provided further that the notice shall be supported by the signatures of at least two other members."

Source: Monsoon session LIVE updates: Opposition gives notices in both Houses over Manipur issue