The Rajya Sabha has suspended the question hour to take up the arrest and maltreatment of the Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade in the US. Initiating the discussion, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley expressed concern over the ill treatment of the woman officer saying this involved the national honour. He said the arrest was arbitrary and in contravention of the Vienna Convention. Mr Jaitley asked the government to lodge a strong protest with US authorities.

Describing the incident as a matter of national outrage, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma said the government would make a statement in this regard. BSP Chief Mayawati took strong exception to the searches of the diplomat by US marshals and said it was highly insulting. She said that there is a strong resentment among Scheduled Caste communities as the woman diplomat belonged to them.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, members cutting across party lines raised the issue demanding a discussion. Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for 15 minutes to take a decision in consultation with leaders of various political groups.