The Legislative Assembly, on second day of the Winter Session, witnessed unusual war of words between Members and Speaker on interpretation of Rules of Business. The issue was the ruling by Speaker Rahul Narvekar about limiting the discussion on a Bill being piloted by Minister of State Adv Ashish Jaiswal. As per Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rule 123 and 124, the Speaker is empowered to decide if the ongoing discussion is enough on the Bill. The Members however saw it as an infringement on their rights to air their views on the matter in House.

 

Rahul Kul, a BJP MLA, was seeking permission to speak on the Bill tabled by Adv Jaiswal for amending rules relating to appointment of Judicial Members in office of Charity Commissioner. Kul was seeking to participate in the discussion despite ruling given by Speaker who also put the Bill to vote. To justify his stance, the Speaker read out from the rule book, which said, it is prerogative of Chair and read out Rule 123 and 124 to drive home the point. However the Members, especially of ruling block itself were not satisfied. Joining the issue, Bhaskar Jadhav, Group Leader, Shiv Sena (UBT), referred to earlier practice in Maharashtra, wherein Ruling party used to hold parleys with Opposition block on running House, and especially on piloting the Bills. But it seems Government has given go by to the traditions, so its better to ignore Opposition altogether and conduct the business of the House as they deem fit. Joining the issue, Arjun Khotkar of Shiv Sena (Shinde Group) also said every Member enjoys unfettered right to participate on discussion on the Bills. He echoed the stance of Kul that only when a Member’s discourse strays out of scope of Bill can the Speaker end the discussion prematurely.

 

Otherwise the reading of Rule 123 and 124 no way means that Speaker can deny opportunity to Members to participate on Bill’s discussion. But, the Speaker said the Rules are not framed by him and they are as per Article 208 of Constitution that lays down norms of conducting business of the House. The Speaker has duty to ensure day’s business listed in order of the day is completed within the given time limit. He also criticised Kul when latter continued to air his dissent, reminding that once Speaker has given ruling, the matter is settled and no further discussion can be carried out in the House.