Unruly behaviour by legislators unacceptable: Supreme Court to Kerala Govt

Satya Prakash
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 5

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Taking strong exception to vandalism by CPM lawmakers in the Kerala Assembly in 2015, the Supreme Court on Monday said such conduct can’t be condoned.

“Prima facie we have to take a strict view of this kind of behaviour. We will not condone this kind of behaviour of MLAs who, on the floor of the House, throw mic and destroy public property,” a Bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud said, adding, they must face trial.

“They were MLAs and they were representing people…What message are they giving to the public?” commented the Bench, which also included Justice MR Shah.

The top court was hearing the Kerala Government’s petition seeking permission to withdraw criminal cases against CPM leaders, including state’s Education Minister V Sivankutty, for alleged vandalism on the floor of the state assembly in 2015, when the party was in the opposition.

Noting that such incidents were on the rise, the court said, “We must ensure that some decorum is maintained. These are sentinels of democracy. Such types of incidents are increasing nowadays. In Parliament also, it’s happening and one has to be strict on this… it must be ensured that decorum is maintained in the House.”

The Bench posted the matter for hearing on July 15, saying it needed to examine certain additional documents filed in the case.

Citing legislative privileges, the Pinarayi Vijayan government has challenged the March 12 order of the Kerala High Court refusing to give its nod for withdrawal of cases.

The Kerala Assembly had witnessed bedlam on March 13, 2015, as LDF members tried to prevent then finance minister KM Mani, who was facing allegations in the bar bribery scam, from presenting the state budget. The CPM MLAs had allegedly vandalised the Speaker’s dais, uprooted his chair, pulled out the mike system and computers.

Refusing to allow withdrawal of cases, the Kerala High Court had said elected representatives were expected to uphold the prestige of the House or face consequences.