New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said that “exemplary punishment” could be imposed if allegations of a Member of Parliament using an e-cigarette inside the House are found to be true, stressing that the dignity and sanctity of Parliament are non-negotiable.
The issue was raised after BJP MP Anurag Thakur submitted a complaint to the Speaker, alleging that a Trinamool Congress (TMC) member was “openly using” an e-cigarette during the House proceedings, despite such devices being banned across the country.
Speaking to reporters, Birla asserted that no individual has the right to undermine the sanctity of the Lok Sabha. He said the matter is currently under investigation and will subsequently be referred to an appropriate parliamentary committee for further examination.
“The House functions on discipline and decorum. Once the committee submits its recommendations, action will be taken strictly as per the rules,” the Speaker said, adding that penalties could range from disciplinary action to even the loss of membership.
Birla underlined that maintaining decorum inside Parliament is the responsibility of every member. “Anyone who violates the rules and lowers the dignity of the House will be punished according to parliamentary procedures,” he said.
