An MLA speaking in the House must withdraw his words immediately and cannot argue when the assembly speaker terms as “unparliamentary” any word or parts of a sentence by the lawmaker, the amended rules say.
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh legislators can’t ask in the assembly questions on communal riots, sensitive events, confidential issues, and any query that may encourage secessionism or threaten the country’s unity, according to changes in House rules, which the opposition alleged are an attempt to stifle democracy.
These restrictions came into effect on March 15 after the BJP government amended the “rules of procedure and conduct of business in state assembly”.
The new rules say the cabinet’s confidence motion will be given precedence over any no-confidence motion against the government on the floor of the House.
An MLA speaking in the House must withdraw his words immediately and cannot argue when the assembly speaker terms as “unparliamentary” any word or parts of a sentence by the lawmaker, the amended rules say.
If a member criticises another lawmaker, he or she should be present in the House to listen to the other person’s response. “If he remains absent, it’s violation of parliamentary etiquette,” says a government circular on the new rules.
Besides, an MLA would have to pay damages from his salary for any destruction to assembly property. That means, lawmakers uprooting microphones and throwing furniture — witnessed in several assemblies in the country — during protests in the House will have to pay for them.
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