NewsGate Press Network

Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla has clarified that an advisory issued by his Secretariat on issue to not to stage dharnas or hold demonstrations by MPs within the premises of Parlimanet House complex is a ‘matter of routine’.

Such circulars, Birla said, is published routinely in Lok Sabha Bulletins (and also in Rajya Sabha bulletins) every time a new session is held.

He requested Members of Parliament and political parties not use routine parliamentary information for creating news. The Speaker further requested that the dignity of Parliament as an institution may be maintained.

An advisory to MPs not to stage protests or hold religious ceremonies in within the Parliament House area had drawn Opposition’s criticism.

A Bulletin issued by Rajya Sabha secretariat said “Members cannot use the precincts of the Parliament House for any Demonstration, Dharna, Strike, Fast, or for the purpose of performing any religious ceremony.”

The bulletin is among over a dozen advisories issued by the Rajya Sabha secretariat ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. An official said the advisories are customary and issued ahead of every session to facilitate Members.