Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said he will work to draw from best parliamentary customs from across the world and asked members to refrain from practices such as trooping into the Well of the House to register their protests. Speaking to reporters, Birla said his basic priority is to enhance the House’s dignity and advised members to abide by rules and regulation.
He said he hoped to engage with parliamentary proceedings in other democracies in the world and draw from their best practices to conduct Lok Sabha in a better way. He observed that he might have been strict in his conduct on Friday by repeatedly asking members to refrain from interrupting those allowed by the Chair to speak.
“Why should ‘zindabad-murdabad’ slogans be raised (in) the Well or placard be brought in the Well? Those interested in doing so have the freedom to do so outside,” he said.
He, though, assured Opposition members — whose numbers have shrunk further in the 17th Lok Sabha — that he would not be guided by numerical strength in giving opportunity to MPs.
“Every member represents his constituency and I want his or her voice to be heard,” he said, noting that he allowed division of votes as demanded by Opposition members on the introduction Of Triple Talaq Bill in the House on Friday.
To a question as to why he allowed the Bill’s introduction as the convention has been that the motion of thanks to the President’s address is the first matter to be taken up, Birla said rules take precedence over conventions. The business advisory committee, which has members from different parties, took a call on the issue and he went by it, he added.