Punjab speaker forgives Bhattal

Chandigarh, March 11: Punjab Assembly Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon Thursday pardoned Leader of Opposition Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, a former chief minister who was held guilty by a house committee of breach of privilege.

The committee, headed by Akali Dal legislator Sarabjit Singh Makkar, also recommended seven days' suspension of Bhattal from the house. The panel was set up after opposition members led by Bhattal staged a protest during Wednesday's session.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tikshan Sud had demanded an exemplary punishment for Bhattal. However, Congress members slammed the committee's recommendations as "fascist and feudal".