Uproar in RS, House adjourns till noon

Ruckus was created over former SC judge Markandey Katju

AIADMK today forced adjournment of the Rajya Sabha twice during Question Hour over former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju's reported allegation that political pressure during the previous UPA regime had led to elevation of a judge despite charges of corruption against him.

Ruckus created by AIADMK members seeking suspension of Question Hour to discuss the issue of "political interference in judicial appointments" led to the House first being adjourned for 10 minutes and then till 1200 hours.

No sooner had Ronald Sapa Tlau, the newly-elected member from Mizoram, taken oath, AIADMK members were up on their feet displaying copies of a newspaper that carried an article by Press Council of India Chairman Katju on the appointment.

"You will not show newspaper here, Dr Maitreyan," Chairman Hamid Ansari said referring to AIADMK leader who wanted the Question Hour to be suspended to discuss the issue.

V Maitreyan said this was an important issue.

"You can't do this... Nobody is listening to you," Ansari said as AIADMK members moved into aisle raising solgans.

He then adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

When the House reassembled, similar scenes were witnessed with AIADMK members insisting on suspension of Question Hour.