New Delhi, Aug 2026 : The Lok Sabha Privileges Committee on Friday issued a notice to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, seeking his response to a breach of privilege complaint concerning remarks he allegedly made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a debate in Parliament.
Gandhi has been asked to submit his response to the committee by August 28. The notice follows complaints filed by BJP MPs, who alleged that the Congress leader used unparliamentary and derogatory expressions against Shah and made serious allegations without complying with the procedural requirements of Rule 353 of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
The controversy relates to Gandhi’s remarks during a Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur had submitted a breach of privilege complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on July 30. In his complaint, Thakur alleged that Gandhi made objectionable comments against the Union Home Minister during the debate and sought action for what he described as violations of parliamentary rules.
The issue was also raised separately by BJP MP Dr Sanjay Jaiswal in a communication dated July 29. Jaiswal urged the Speaker to take cognisance of Gandhi’s alleged use of unparliamentary expressions against Shah and requested appropriate action under the relevant parliamentary provisions.
The Privileges Committee’s notice provides Gandhi an opportunity to present his position on the allegations before the matter is examined further. His response, expected by August 28, will form part of the committee’s consideration of the complaints and the subsequent course of action.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of continued political confrontation between the ruling BJP-led government and the Opposition during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Proceedings have witnessed repeated disruptions and heated exchanges over several contentious issues, with both sides accusing each other of violating parliamentary norms.
The privileges mechanism allows Parliament to examine alleged breaches of its rules, privileges and established procedures. In this case, the committee will consider the complaints and Gandhi’s response before determining the next course of action.
The notice has added another point of contention between the government and the Opposition, with parliamentary conduct and the language used during debates emerging as recurring issues during the ongoing political exchanges.
