Speaker writes to MPs over Parliament disruption

July, 10, 2018
New Delhi: Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has written a letter to MPs, expressing concern over the frequent disruptions of Parliament.

Ms Mahajan urged the Parliamentarians to express all divergence of opinion and dissent within the established norms.

In the letter released to the media on Tuesday, the Speaker said the performance of MPs was very keenly watched by the people, and hoped that the members will establish high standards of parliamentary conduct, discipline and decorum.

She said that at times some members have come towards her chair and shouted slogans, shown placards and banners and interrupted the proceedings of the House, forcing its repeated adjournment.

“All of you will agree that discussion, debate, divergence of opinion and dissent are integral part of functioning of any democratic system. Constructive opposition and lively debates are the lifeline of democracy, but you will also agree that the discussion, divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the well established parameters and accepted norms of Parliamentary dignity and decorum so that people may continue to have abiding faith in democracy and democratic institutions.

“It is for this purpose that we have given ourselves the rules for conduct of business in the House which have evolved over the years. Is it not our moral responsibility to ensure that these rules are followed in letter and spirit?” she said.
Indian diaspora and other foreign dignitaries also expressed their concern over the frequent disruptions in the House when she recently
visited some foreign countries, Ms Mahajan said.

“Thus, time has come for us to introspect and decide what is the way forward and ideal image for our Parliament and democracy,”
she said.
The monsoon session of Parliament which will be the first of the last three session of the 16th Lok Sabha, is schedudled to be held from July 18.