Trinamool MP E-Cigarette Use in Lok Sabha Under Investigation
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla orders probe into Trinamool MP's alleged e-cigarette use in Parliament.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has ordered an investigation into a complaint alleging that a Trinamool Congress MP was using an e-cigarette inside the House during proceedings. Birla emphasized that such actions undermine the dignity and sanctity of Parliament and violate parliamentary rules. The issue arose after BJP MP Anurag Thakur submitted a complaint.
Birla stated that the complaint is being examined and will be referred to the appropriate committee of the House. He also announced that the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPO) will be hosted by Parliament.
Key Facts
Om Birla: Orders probe into Trinamool MP’s e-cigarette use
Anurag Thakur: BJP MP who submitted the complaint
CSPO: 28th Conference to be hosted by Parliament
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Ethical conduct of public representatives and its impact on governance.
Role of the Speaker in maintaining order and decorum in the House.
Visual Insights
Procedure Following Alleged Breach of Privilege
This flowchart illustrates the process initiated after an alleged breach of parliamentary privilege, as seen in the case of the Trinamool MP.
- 1.Complaint Filed (e.g., by BJP MP)
- 2.Speaker's Examination of Complaint
- 3.Referral to Committee on Privileges (if deemed necessary)
- 4.Committee Investigates and Submits Report
- 5.House Debates and Decides on Action (e.g., suspension)
- 6.Action Taken (if any)
More Information
Background
The regulation of activities within the Parliament has a long history, evolving from unwritten conventions to codified rules. The origin of parliamentary rules can be traced back to the British parliamentary system, which served as a model for many Commonwealth countries, including India. The need for maintaining order and decorum in the House led to the development of specific procedures and guidelines.
Over time, these rules have been amended and adapted to address new challenges and technologies. The introduction of electronic devices like e-cigarettes has necessitated further interpretation and enforcement of existing rules to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary proceedings. The Speaker's role in enforcing these rules is crucial for the effective functioning of the House.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny of the conduct of parliamentarians globally, driven by heightened public awareness and media coverage. Several parliaments have updated their rules to address the use of technology, including social media and electronic devices, within the House. Debates around ethical conduct and conflicts of interest have also intensified.
Looking ahead, there is likely to be greater emphasis on transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings. The use of technology for monitoring and enforcing rules may also increase. Furthermore, international cooperation among parliaments to share best practices in maintaining order and decorum is expected to grow.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha: 1. The Speaker has the power to adjourn the House or to suspend the sitting in the absence of a quorum. 2. The Speaker does not have the power to allow a 'secret' sitting of the House at the request of the Leader of the House. 3. The Speaker is the ex-officio Chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Group which functions as a link between the Parliament of India and the various Parliaments of the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 3 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Speaker has the power to allow a 'secret' sitting of the House at the request of the Leader of the House.
2. Which of the following committees of Parliament is responsible for inquiring into cases of misconduct of members?
- A.Public Accounts Committee
- B.Committee on Privileges
- C.Estimates Committee
- D.Committee on Ethics
Show Answer
Answer: D
The Committee on Ethics is responsible for overseeing the moral and ethical conduct of members and for examining cases of misconduct referred to it.
3. Consider the following statements: 1. The Parliament of India can make laws for the whole or any part of India. 2. The Parliament of India can make laws for citizens of India and their property in any part of the world. 3. A law made by Parliament can be declared invalid by the Supreme Court if it violates the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct regarding the legislative powers of the Parliament of India.