Following the conclusion of the Parliament’s monsoon session on August 21st, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the closing speech of the All India Speakers’ Conference organized by the Delhi Assembly. He emphasized that freedom of expression and the privileges of MPs should not be viewed as a license to undermine the dignity of the House.
Birla expressed concern over the declining standards in maintaining the decorum of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, urging all stakeholders, including members of the Houses and political parties, to reflect on this issue. He highlighted that the Speaker of the House should be perceived as impartial, independent, and just when conducting proceedings.
Birla stated that the Constitution’s framers granted the privilege of speaking freely within the House, even against the government. However, he noted a decline in the intent behind this freedom, which is a matter of concern. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the House operates with the purpose of debate, discussion, and consideration of public interest issues.
He urged MPs to rise above party politics and focus on the expectations of those who elected them. Birla asserted that appropriate conduct is essential alongside freedom of expression in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He stated that members should raise issues related to the public. The House should become the voice of the people and present their suggestions and ideas correctly.
Birla urged the opposition to maintain decorum and dignity both inside and outside the House. He said that dissent is the strength of democracy, but members must adhere to the code of conduct. He noted that the public is observing the words and actions of the representatives. He appealed to all political parties to maintain the dignity of the House while upholding freedom of expression.
He concluded by stating that freedom of expression and the privileges of members should not be seen as an excuse to diminish the dignity of the House.
The All India Speakers’ Conference, organized by the Delhi Assembly, celebrated the centenary of the election of Vithalbhai Patel, the first elected Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly during British rule. Birla stated that Patel’s personal and public life, his role in the freedom struggle, and his work as Speaker are an inspiration for every Indian. He added that the tradition established by Patel later became part of the country’s constitution, which includes independent secretariats of Parliament and legislative bodies.