Parliamentary affairs minister Radhakrishna Kishore has urged widening the scope of parliamentary privilege for elected representatives and amending the rules to enable action for breach of privilege against officials who deliberately engage in insulting or rude behaviour towards MLAs, people aware of the development said on Sunday.
The minister stated that as public representatives, MLAs not only discharged legislative duties within the House but also interacted with officials outside the House to resolve issues concerning their constituencies. “MLAs and MPs have raised this issue with the Governor and the government on various occasions. the expected impact has not been observed,” the minister argued Although the government has issued directives to officials to treat public representatives with courtesy. He clarified that etiquette and privilege were distinct matters. He suggested that the deliberate use of derogatory language towards an MLA, disrespectful behaviour in a government office, the intentional ignoring of public interest issues raised either within or outside the House, and the arrogant refusal to adhere to official protocol guidelines be classified as a breach of privilege. However, Kishore also stated that this rule should apply equally to public representatives.
Citing Article 194 of the Constitution, the minister said MLAs possessed the privilege to raise issues of public interest within the House without fear or pressure.
“Consequently, the conduct of government officials towards MLAs should not merely be a matter of etiquette but should also be linked to the dignity, prestige, and privileges of the legislature,” he added. “If an MLA deliberately engages in verbal abuse or misconduct with an official, lawful action should also be taken against them,” he said.
