Parliament Notebook

MPs’ allowanceA Bill seeking to deprive MPs of their allowances on days when Parliament is adjourned was placed before the Rajya Sabha....

MPs’ allowance

A Bill seeking to deprive MPs of their allowances on days when Parliament is adjourned was placed before the Rajya Sabha. The Disurption of Proceedings of Parliament (Disentitlement of Allowances to Members) Bill, 2004 — moved by Fali S Nariman — says a provision should be made to ‘‘restore dignity and credibility of Parliament.’’ It lays that the Lok Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha chairman should be the sole authority to judge whether or not the House is adjourned in wake of certain behaviour by a member.

Property Rights

Hindu women might soon become equal shareholders in family property. Union Law Minister Hans Raj Bharadwaj told the Rajya Sabha of a proposal to amend Hindu Succession Act and other related laws to empower women. He, however, rejected suggestions for a common law for all Indian women. ‘‘After Shah Bano case, we realised unless the communities volunteer for a change in their personal laws, the government should not interefere,’’ he said.

TDP Drifting Away

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The TDP is keeping more than a safe distance from the NDA in both Houses, adding fuel to speculation it is heading towards a final snap in its relationship with the alliance.

For starters, the TDP refused to follow in the BJP’s footsteps when the latter staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha on the first day. It stayed on to present its views on the price rise and walked out much later. The TDP has already stated its agenda: It has decided not to back the BJP in stalling Parliament on emotive issues like arrest of the Shankaracharya. It would, however, back the call for non-repeal of POTA. Says a TDP leader Yerran Naidu, ‘‘We have always underlined our secular credentials.’’