Speaker Urges MLAs to Maintain Assembly Dignity and Avoid Expunged Remarks

Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar has called on MLAs in Chennai to uphold the dignity of the House and refrain from making remarks that invite censure or require expunging from official assembly records.

Prabhakar noted that the live telecast of assembly proceedings has fostered a growing interest in politics among the youth. He mentioned that youngsters had questioned him about why certain statements made on the floor had to be expunged from the records. In response to these concerns, he requested members to conduct their debates and speeches in a manner that preserves the dignity of the House.

To ensure smoother proceedings, the Speaker also directed both ruling and opposition whips to take responsibility for their respective members. He urged them to make sure that legislators do not resort to aggressive gestures or unruly conduct inside the House.

Responding to the Speaker's remarks, DMK MLA E V Velu argued that actions such as raising hands or stepping towards the front desk should not be viewed as violations of assembly rules.

In a lighter vein, Prabhakar responded that he was open to permitting various forms of expression, with the exception of members sitting on the Speaker's chair. His remark made reference to the chaotic scenes witnessed in the assembly during the confidence motion faced by the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK government on February 18, 2017.