Supreme Court asks lawmakers to be respectful even while being bitter critic

The Supreme Court questioned the behavior of lawmakers on Monday, observing they seem to have forgotten respectful conduct during disagreements. The court's comments came during a hearing on a petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Sunil Kumar Singh, challenging his expulsion from the Bihar legislative council. Singh was expelled for alleged misconduct, including mimicking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“Members of august Houses should be respectful of others even while being their bitter critic,” the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh, stated. Singh's lawyer, A.M. Singhvi, argued that the Election Commission's announcement of a bypoll for Singh's seat, despite the ongoing legal challenge, could create complications. Singhvi requested the court to postpone the bypoll, scheduled for later this month, to avoid a potential conflict if the court overturns the expulsion. The court declined to halt the bypoll but scheduled the final hearing of Singh's petition for January 9.

During the proceedings, Singhvi argued about freedom of speech within the legislative house. The bench responded, “This is how freedom of speech is used inside the House? You (Singhvi) are also a Member of Parliament. Do you subscribe to the use of such language against opponents inside a House?” Singhvi clarified he doesn't endorse such language but argued expulsion was excessive.


The legislative council's Ethics Committee recommended Singh's removal. Their report stated, “Being the chief whip of the opposition, his legislative responsibility and adaptation of rules and regulations should be more than others. But his behaviour was otherwise. After coming into the well, he raised unrestrained slogans, hindered the functioning of the House, disrespected the instruction for the Chair, used defamatory words for the leader of the House, trying to humiliate him, and in a way damaged the dignity of the legislative council.” Singh's expulsion occurred on July 26 based on this report.

(with ToI inputs)