COPE and parliament yesterday condemned his conduct, saying he undermined the authority of parliament.

Feldman who was part of an official parliamentary delegation to India on Saturday, is said to have had too many drinks and allegedly tried to open the plane's emergency door.

COPE chief whip Dennis Bloem said he would contact Feldman as soon as he landed.

"We will never tolerate any ill-discipline from any member of parliament," said Bloem. "I am going to talk to him. I must hear also from him what happened."

Bloem said he was awaiting the report from National Council of Provinces chairman Mninwa Mahlangu.

The ANC chief whip's office called for an investigation to ensure "appropriate action is taken". "Such conduct is unacceptable for a member of parliament, regardless of the party she or he belongs to, as it undermines the integrity of the institution and the respect our people have in it.

"It is even worse when it happens during an official overseas trip, as it places this parliament and the country in a negative light both internationally and at home."

Following the "disruptive" incident, Feldman, who was detained briefly by Indian airport authorities, was able to join his fellow MPs on their official trip to Delhi.

However, he was told to return to South Africa.