Minister seeks Privilege action against officials for misbehaviour with MLAs

Jharkhand Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore has sought stronger provisions to treat deliberate misbehaviour and disrespectful conduct by government officials towards MLAs as a breach of legislative privilege.

Kishore has written to Assembly Speaker Ravindranath Mahto, citing Article 194 of the Constitution, which provides legislators with privileges to raise issues of public interest in the House without fear or pressure. 

He urged the Speaker to consider incorporating specific provisions in the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure to deal with officials who allegedly undermine the dignity and authority of elected representatives.

In his letter, Kishore proposed that the deliberate use of insulting or disrespectful language against an MLA, rude behaviour at government offices, intentionally ignoring public-interest issues raised inside or outside the House, and wilful refusal to follow prescribed government protocol for legislators should be brought within the ambit of breach of privilege.

Expressing concern over the conduct of the bureaucracy, Kishore said MLAs frequently complain that officials fail to take cognisance of their legitimate suggestions and grievances.

He cited his own experience, saying he had written to the Director General of Police nearly two months ago but had yet to receive a response. “This is not appropriate,” he said.

The minister also alleged that officials often do not answer calls from MLAs and that letters sent by elected representatives are not acted upon within a reasonable time.

Kishore said such conduct directly affects the credibility of elected representatives among the people, as MLAs are accountable to their constituents for resolving public grievances.

He stressed the need for clear provisions in the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure under which officials or employees found deliberately engaging in insulting, discourteous or disrespectful behaviour towards legislators could face privilege proceedings.

The move comes amid recurring complaints from legislators about their interaction with the bureaucracy and is aimed at ensuring greater accountability and institutional respect for elected representatives.