Normal for Parliament security to enter House: Deputy Chair on Mallikarjun Kharge's CISF charge

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh on Tuesday said the issue of special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar cannot be discussed in the House since the matter is sub judice and urged Opposition members to do some self-introspection rather than resort to regular disruptions of the proceedings.

Talking about the letter from the leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge about Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel entering the House, the deputy chairman lamented the letter being released to the media by Kharge. He stated that it is normal for parliamentary security to come inside the House.

Harivansh highlighted several incidents in the current session involving "unruly behaviour" by members trying to disrupt the proceedings of the House. Kharge, quoting former leader of the House Arun Jaitley, said 'disruption is a legitimate weapon of democracy'.


The chair agreed that the members have the right to dissent but said it should be exercised from their respective seats and not from the well of the House or by disturbing other members on their seats.

The Opposition has been demanding discussion on SIR in Bihar and several other subjects under Rule 267 which has been regularly denied by the chair. "Some members have been consistently raising varied issues including those that are sub judice or pertain to matters within the jurisdiction of state governments that cannot be raised in the House. Some other members are giving notices on different subjects daily which are in the nature of issues to be raised during zero hour or special mention. It, prima facie, appears that members are themselves not sure on which subject they want to seek suspension of listed business of the day," Harivansh said.

He quoted former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar who held in the Lok Sabha that he cannot make any comment upon the actions and decisions of the Election Commission.

The deputy chairman stressed that the matter of SIR is sub judice and cannot be discussed in the House. "Regarding raising of sub judice matter, restriction has been self-imposed by Parliament in consideration of the fact that deliberations in a House on a matter which is before the court might influence the latter and thus, the sub judice rule has found a place in the Rules of both Houses of Parliament," Harivansh said.

Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju accused Kharge of misleading the House. "The Opposition has alleged that the government deployed personnel from the Army, police and CISF. However, the chair clarified that no external military or police forces were deployed. Only the House marshals were present. Apart from marshals, only members and staff are permitted entry. The Opposition spread falsehood through media... They attempted to lower the decorum of the House,' he told media persons.