All of this played out approximately 24 hours after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice because members complained of a ‘foul’ smell. A couple of weeks ago, it was adjourned twice after the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded an explanation from the government on former Swedish police chief Sten Lindstrom’s revelations on the Bofors payoff scandal. Not long before that, the House observed silence as a mark of respect to departed Samajwadi Party member Brij Bhushan Tiwari, after which it was adjourned for the day.

We are not disputing the possibility that all of these examples cited may be valid reasons for adjournment. What we would like to understand is what these disruptions cost the nation. The Houses are where our elected leaders gather in order to discuss issues of prime importance to all Indians. Their decisions affect the lives of millions. Keeping this in mind, doesn’t a debate on any contentious issue seem like a more sensible thing to do than simply leaving the room?