Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla doesn't rule out exemplary punishment over 'vaping' in LS

Asserting that maintaining Parliament's dignity was non-negotiable, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday did not rule out "exemplary punishment" over the alleged use of e-cigarette in the House.

During the last session in December, BJP MP Anurag Thakur had complained to the Speaker alleging that a Trinamool MP was "openly using" e-cigarette in the House during the proceedings despite such devices being banned across the country. "No one has the right to undermine the sanctity of the House," Birla told reporters here.

He said the matter was under investigation and would be later referred to an appropriate committee of the House for further action. "We will act on the recommendation of the committee. Everyone will have to maintain decorum in the House. A member could even lose his membership."


"Nobody will be allowed to lower the dignity of the House," Birla said, adding: "Those not maintaining decorum will be punished under rules and procedures... Action will be taken according to the rules."