Monsoon session: Distribution of literature, placards banned in Parliament
New Delhi, July 16: Ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament an advisory has been circulated for the members to refrain from distribution of any pamphlets, leaflets or placards in the House.
The advisory issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat stated that: "As per established convention, no literature, questionnaire, pamphlets, Press notes, leaflets or any matter printed or otherwise should be distributed without the prior permission of Hon'ble Speaker within the precincts of the House. Placards are also strictly prohibited inside the Parliament House Complex."
This advisory came at a time when the opposition parties were in a tizzy over the advisory on permission not been given to hold demonstrations and dharnas within the parliament complex.
"Members cannot use the precincts of the House for any demonstration, dharna strike, fast, or for the purpose of performing any religious ceremony," the advisory read.
Members of the opposition have been seen holding placards from their seats in the well on a number of occasions in the past, which has frequently incensed the 'Chairs' in both Houses.
Also Read | Ripudaman Singh Malik acquitted in 1985 Air India bombing shot dead in Canada
In the most recent sessions of the Rajya Sabha, ugly scenes were witnessed as members of Parliament held onto placards throughout the proceedings and sometimes tore them and threw them at the Chair.
The announcement that no dharnas would be permitted in Parliament has caused a major uproar among the opposition parties.
"Members cannot use the precincts of the House for any demonstration, dharna strike, fast, or for the purpose of performing any religious ceremony. Kind cooperation of members is solicited," the circular read.
However, many documents have been put out in the public domain to show that this is not the first time such a circular has been brought out.
"Many such circulars that were issued during the UPA regime are in the public domain. Of those one was brought out on December 2, 2013, and the second one on February 3, 2014," sources informed.
Also Read | 5 cars damaged as wall collapses amid rains in Amritsar
-PTC News
