Decline in dignity of legislatures concerning, says Speaker Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday expressed concern over what he termed a “gradual decline” in the dignity of legislative institutions, cautioning that the freedom of speech and privileges granted to Members should not be misused to undermine the decorum of the House.

Delivering the valedictory address at the Conference of Presiding Officers of States and Union Territories at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, on Monday, organised as part of the centenary celebrations of eminent freedom fighter and jurist Vitthalbhai Patel’s election as the first Indian president of the Central Legislative Assembly, Birla urged legislators to recommit themselves to ensuring free, fair and dignified discussions in the House.

“All political parties must come together to ensure that forthright expression of ideas continues in legislative bodies, strengthening democracy through both agreement and disagreement,” Birla said.

He underlined that while the framers of the Constitution gave Members of Parliament and state Assemblies complete freedom to criticise the government within the House, such privileges must be exercised with proper conduct.

Calling for lawmakers to strictly uphold rules, conventions and traditions of legislatures, Birla stressed that legislatures must remain the true voice of the people and that laws framed should always serve the public interest. He also emphasised the significant role of Presiding Officers in maintaining impartiality and order, expressing confidence that both current and future Speakers would keep proceedings free, fair and dignified.

Speaking about the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Chamber, Birla said the building had witnessed the voices of leaders who fought for India’s independence through legislative means. Recalling Patel’s legacy, he said the centennial year was a reminder of his contributions, including the establishment of an independent secretariat under the Speaker to ensure that free expression within legislatures could reach the people correctly. “The traditions laid down by Patel were later enshrined in the Constitution and continue to guide both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha today,” he said.

Birla added that Patel’s life and work remain a source of inspiration for the nation and would continue to guide India’s democratic institutions in a new direction.