Delhi Assembly passes resolution curtailing Speaker's powers

NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented move, Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution curtailing certain powers of Speaker M S Dhir. The resolution to curtail the Speaker's power to suspend any unruly legislator was moved by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Lovely said the powers of the Speaker could be restored only by a resolution by the House.When put to voice vote, the resolution was supported by all Congress and BJP MLAs, besides the lone JD(U) legislator and an Independent MLA. Lovely had moved the resolution, accusing the Speaker of not running the House in an impartial manner.

Earlier, the House witnessed unprecedented chaotic scenes as both BJP and Congress MLAs disrupted proceedings demanding Law Minister Somnath Bharti's resignation over his alleged involvement in a midnight raid episode in South Delhi.

When the Speaker rejected the Opposition's demand for discussion on the issue, both BJP and Congress legislators destroyed microphones, threw files and trooped into the Well of the House, demanding action against the minister.