Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan
In a letter addressed to all MPs, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expressed concern over the frequent disruptions of Parliament. She said divergence of opinion and dissent should be within the established norms.
The letter that was released to the media on Tuesday. Mahajan said the tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha entered into its final year and only three sessions left.
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She said people very keenly observe the performance of MPs and asked if political parties can justify their conduct by advancing the argument of improper conduct and interruption of the business of the House by other parties in the past.
"If we accept this argument, then the cycle of interruptions will continue endlessly and such tendency will never be checked," she said.
"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.
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"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 asked.
It is pertinent to mention here that Lok Sabha elections 2019 will take place around the month of April next year to constitute the 17 Lok Sabha (LS). During the 16th LS, many precious days got wasted due to the frequent disruptions of Parliament.
(With IANS inputs)
