Rahul Gandhi Expulsion Demand: Understanding the MP Removal Process

• BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a motion on February 12 for Rahul Gandhi's immediate expulsion from Lok Sabha and a lifetime ban from contesting elections.
• An MP can lose membership due to constitutional disqualifications (Article 102), the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule), or criminal conviction (RPA, 1951) with a sentence of two years or more.
• The Lok Sabha can expel members for serious misconduct or actions damaging Parliament's dignity, a power derived from Article 105 and parliamentary rules.
• The expulsion process involves a complaint, a probe by the Ethics or Privileges Committee, an opportunity for defense, and a Lok Sabha motion requiring majority support.
• Past instances include the 2005 cash-for-query scandal where eleven MPs were expelled, and more recently, TMC MP Mahua Moitra's expulsion.