Freedom of speech in Parliament subject to rules: Birla

New Delhi, Mar 12: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Thursday emphasized that freedom of speech in Parliament is guaranteed, but it is subject to the Constitution and to the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament. He said that detailed guidelines exist under the rules regarding how Members should conduct themselves while speaking in the House.
In regard to the references made to Article 105 of the Constitution regarding freedom of speech in Parliament, the Speaker clarified that the Constitution itself places this freedom within the framework of parliamentary rules.
Addressing the House a day after the conclusion of the debate on the resolution seeking his removal from the Office, the Speaker said that over the past two days, the House had witnessed more than twelve hours of discussion, during which Members from different parties expressed their views, arguments and concerns.
“I listened carefully and attentively to every Hon’ble Member. I sincerely thank all Members of this House – whether they expressed their views in support or offered suggestions through criticism. This is the essence of democracy: every voice is heard and every viewpoint holds value,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised during the debate about opportunities to speak, the Speaker clarified that all Members must follow the procedures laid down in the Rules of the House. “Some Members believe that the Leader of the Opposition may stand at any time and speak on any subject of their choice as a special privilege. I wish to clarify that the House functions according to rules framed by the House itself. These rules apply equally to every Member,” he highlighted. “No Hon’ble Member in this House possesses any privilege to speak outside the framework of these rules,” he emphasized.
The Speaker also responded to allegations that microphones of Opposition Members were switched off by the Chair. “I would like to clarify once again that the Chair does not have any button to switch microphones on or off. The system in the House activates the microphone only of the Member who has been granted permission to speak,” he explained.
The Speaker underscored that the Chair of the House is not the possession of any individual. “This Chair does not belong to any person. It is a symbol of India’s democratic traditions, the spirit of the Constitution and the prestige of this great institution. My predecessors strengthened the dignity and traditions of this House, and it is my constant endeavor to ensure that its prestige continues to grow,” the Speaker mentioned. He reiterated that he has always conducted the proceedings of the House with impartiality, discipline and balance, strictly in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down by the House itself.
The Speaker noted that the House represents the sovereign will of 1.4 billion citizens of India and that every Member carries the mandate and aspirations of millions of people. “Each Member comes here with the responsibility to raise the concerns of the people and to fulfil their hopes and expectations,” he said.
Referring to concerns expressed regarding respect for women Members, the Speaker reiterated his deep respect for all women MPs. “I have always held the highest respect for all Hon’ble women Members. My endeavor has always been to ensure that every woman Member gets the opportunity to speak in this House. During my tenure, every woman Member – including first-time Members – has had the opportunity to express her views,” he said.
The Speaker also negated claims that Opposition Members were not given adequate opportunity in debates. Citing official data from the proceedings of recent Lok Sabhas, he said that when speaking time is viewed in proportion to numerical strength, Opposition Members have often received more time than allocated during major debates. He also highlighted that efforts have been made to ensure participation by Members from smaller parties, single-member parties and independent Members. “I frequently extend the time allotted for debates and Zero Hour so that more Members can express their views,” he added.
The Speaker strongly criticized disruptive behavior in the House, stating that slogan-shouting, displaying placards, tearing papers and approaching the Well of the House are contrary to established parliamentary traditions. “These actions not only disrupt the functioning of the House but also diminish its prestige,” he stressed. He urged Members of Parliament to uphold the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy.
Birla recalled that conferences of presiding officers and parliamentary leaders in 1997 and 2001 had unanimously resolved that such conduct – including slogan-shouting, displaying placards, making inappropriate gestures and disrupting proceedings – adversely affects the functioning of legislative institutions. “Disagreement and intense debate are natural in a democracy, but there is a clear line between democratic discourse and disorder,” he observed.
The Speaker further stressed that maintaining the dignity and decorum of Parliament is a collective responsibility of all Members. “Institutions are permanent and they form the foundation of a strong democracy. If we ourselves diminish the prestige of our institutions, the loss will not be of any individual or party, but of the entire nation,” he said. He also noted that whenever disruptions occur in the House, it creates disappointment among citizens who expect Parliament to function with seriousness and responsibility.
Concluding his remarks, Birla appealed to Members across party lines to work together to strengthen Parliament and maintain the faith of the people. “I regard both the Treasury Benches and the Opposition as equal guardians of this institution. Whether there is praise or criticism, my resolve remains the same – to protect the dignity of this House and uphold its rules,” he said.
Urging Members to move forward positively after the intense debate, the Speaker said, “Let us begin a new, positive and constructive chapter from today. Let us move forward united in the path of national service and nation-building.”