NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday suspended BJP member Chhattrapal Singh Lodha on the recommendation of the House Ethics Committee that observed that the sting operation showing him allegedly accepting money on camera had damaged the image of Parliament.

Dr. Lodha was suspended after the House unanimously adopted a motion to this effect moved by the chairman of the Ethics Committee, Karan Singh. He will remain suspended pending the presentation of the final report of the Committee.

The 10-member Committee has decided that an opportunity be given to Dr. Lodha to explain his position in the matter within 48 hours. Tabling the Fifth (preliminary) Ethics Committee report after the Question Hour, Dr. Singh said the Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, referred to the panel on Monday the matter pertaining to the telecast of a programme entitled `Operation Duryodhan' by a private television channel showing actions tantamount to a serious violation of the Code of Conduct by some MPs. The matter was referred for "examination, investigation and report'' under Rule 303 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.

The Committee, in its sitting on Monday, held preliminary discussions. It appreciated the deep sense of concern expressed by the Chairman and resolved to act with urgency in the matter. It took serious note of the situation arising out of the telecasting of the programme, which had damaged the image of Parliament and brought the august institution to disrepute.

The Committee noted that Dr. Lodha was one of the members (of Parliament) shown in the programme. "Since the member has been caught on tape accepting money for asking questions, the Committee unanimously recommends that Dr. Lodha should be suspended from the House, pending presentation of the final report,'' it said.

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