Speaker clarifies no special privilege to speak outside House rules; denies allegations of microphones being switched off.
BuzBytes
New Delhi : Om Birla on Thursday asserted that freedom of speech in Parliament is guaranteed but remains subject to the Constitution and the rules and procedures governing the functioning of the House.
Addressing the Lok Sabha a day after the conclusion of the debate on the resolution seeking his removal, Birla said that detailed rules and standing orders exist to regulate how Members of Parliament conduct themselves while speaking in the House.
Referring to Article 105 of the Constitution, he clarified that the provision guarantees freedom of speech in Parliament but places it within the framework of parliamentary rules.
Over the past two days, the House witnessed more than twelve hours of discussion on the resolution, with Members from various parties expressing their views and concerns, the Speaker said.
“I listened carefully and attentively to every Hon’ble Member. I sincerely thank all Members of this House—whether they expressed their views in support or offered suggestions through criticism. This is the essence of democracy: every voice is heard and every viewpoint holds value,” Birla said.
Responding to concerns about opportunities to speak, the Speaker stressed that the functioning of the House is governed strictly by rules framed by Parliament itself and these rules apply equally to all Members.
“Some Members believe that the Leader of the Opposition may stand at any time and speak on any subject of their choice as a special privilege. I wish to clarify that the House functions according to rules framed by the House itself. No Hon’ble Member in this House possesses any privilege to speak outside the framework of these rules,” he said.
Birla also rejected allegations that microphones of Opposition Members were switched off by the Chair. He clarified that the Chair does not have any button to control microphones in the House.
“The system in the House activates the microphone only of the Member who has been granted permission to speak,” he explained.
Emphasising the dignity of the institution, Birla said the Chair does not belong to any individual but symbolises India’s democratic traditions and the spirit of the Constitution.
“This Chair is a symbol of the prestige of this great institution. My predecessors strengthened the dignity and traditions of this House, and it is my constant endeavour to ensure that its prestige continues to grow,” he said, adding that he has always conducted proceedings with impartiality, discipline and balance.
The Speaker noted that the House represents the sovereign will of about 1.4 billion citizens and every Member carries the mandate and aspirations of millions of people.
Referring to concerns regarding women Members, Birla reiterated his highest respect for women MPs and said that efforts have always been made to ensure that they get opportunities to speak in the House.
“I have always held the highest respect for all women Members. My endeavour has always been to ensure that every woman Member gets the opportunity to speak in this House, including first-time Members,” he said.
He also rejected claims that Opposition Members were not given adequate speaking time. According to official data from recent Lok Sabha proceedings, he said, when speaking time is assessed in proportion to numerical strength, Opposition Members have often received more time than allocated during major debates.
Birla added that the Chair frequently extends the time allotted for debates and Zero Hour to allow more Members, including those from smaller parties and independent Members, to participate.
The Speaker strongly criticised disruptive behaviour in Parliament such as slogan shouting, displaying placards, tearing papers and entering the Well of the House, saying such actions undermine the dignity and functioning of the institution.
He recalled that conferences of presiding officers and parliamentary leaders in 1997 and 2001 had unanimously resolved that such conduct adversely affects legislative institutions.
“Disagreement and intense debate are natural in a democracy, but there is a clear line between democratic discourse and disorder,” he said.
Stressing that maintaining the dignity of Parliament is a collective responsibility, Birla urged Members across party lines to uphold the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy.
“Institutions are permanent and they form the foundation of a strong democracy. If we diminish the prestige of our institutions, the loss will not be of any individual or party, but of the entire nation,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Birla appealed to Members to work together in strengthening Parliament and maintaining the faith of the people.
“Whether there is praise or criticism, my resolve remains the same—to protect the dignity of this House and uphold its rules. Let us begin a new, positive and constructive chapter from today and move forward united in the path of national service and nation-building,” he said.
