With most of the Treasury benches being empty at 2.15 PM when the proceedings were to start, some Opposition leaders were heard making remarks about the situation.
The House can function only when there is quorum -- which means that at least 10 per cent of the total members should be present. This translates to a minimum of 55 in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
While Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge exclaimed "kya haal hai" (what is this situation), BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab was heard saying "everyday, this is the situation".
Soon Minister of State for Parliamentary Affair Rajiv Pratap Rudy came in and was seen walking out immediately, apparently to ask members to return to the House.
The proceedings began after about five minutes of delay, with the House taking up matters of urgent public importance.
Yesterday too, lack of quorum had forced members to wait for nearly 10 minutes to begin the debate on Demand for Grants for Railways.