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Lok Sabha Speaker Vows Action on E-Cigarette Probe Against TMC MP

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the investigation into a complaint about a Trinamool Congress MP allegedly using an e-cigarette in the House is being completed. The complaint was raised by BJP MP Anurag Thakur during the winter session, alleging a violation of rules as e-cigarettes are banned in India. Speaker Birla emphasized that no rules permit smoking inside the House and that action will follow based on the investigation's findings. He asserted that maintaining the dignity and decorum of Parliament is the responsibility of all members, with rule-breakers facing punishment.

Key Points: Lok Sabha E-Cigarette Probe Nears Completion, Says Speaker

  • Probe into e-cigarette use in Lok Sabha
  • Complaint by BJP MP Anurag Thakur
  • Speaker Om Birla warns of punishment
  • Investigation process nearing completion
  • Maintaining House dignity stressed
2 min read

Probe into E-cigarette complaint against Trinamool Congress MP being completed: Speaker

Speaker Om Birla states investigation into complaint against TMC MP for using e-cigarette in House is concluding, warns of action for rule breaches.

"Action will be taken as per the rules. - Om Birla"

New Delhi, January 13

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said that the process of investigation into the complaint against a Trinamool Congress MP of having resorted to using e-cigarette in the House is being completed and asserted that it is responsibility of all members to increase the dignity of the House.

Answering queries during a press conference here on the upcoming Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth, he also cautioned members that there will be action if the dignity of the House is not maintained.

"The process of investigation is in the direction of being completed. As soon as the investigation process is completed, the action plan will be made and will go to the committee, and the process will be completed. It will not be possible for anyone to spoil the dignity of the House. It is a responsibility... You will have to maintain decorum inside the House and the one who does not maintain decorum will be punished under the rules and procedures of the Parliament. Action will be taken. Action will be taken as per the rules," he said.

The Speaker was answering a query on the probe into the E-cigarette complaint against a TMC MP, made during the winter session of Parliament by BJP MP Anurag Thakur.

Anurag Thakur complained that a TMC MP had been smoking E-cigarette in the House in violation of rules.

He had said E-cigarettes have been banned in the country and asked if they have been allowed in the House. The Speaker had responded firmly, saying that no rule allows any MP to smoke inside the house. "If such an incident is brought to my notice with clarity, appropriate action will follow," Birla said.

He promised to look into the incident after Anurag Thakur submitted a written complaint about the alleged smoking incident to the Speaker.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the rule-breaking is wrong, I hope the investigation is fair and not just political point-scoring. We have bigger issues like inflation to discuss in Parliament.
A
Arjun K
Seriously? Smoking in the Lok Sabha? This is so disrespectful to the institution. Our tax money pays for their salaries and this is how they behave? Shameful.
S
Sarah B
As an expat following Indian politics, this is quite surprising. In most democracies, such behavior in the chamber would lead to immediate suspension. The Speaker's caution is appropriate.
V
Vikram M
Good to see Speaker Birla taking a firm stand. But let's be honest, this is a minor issue compared to the shouting and walkouts we usually see. Decorum means more than just no smoking.
K
Kavya N
If true, this MP needs to apologize to the nation. Parliament is our temple of democracy. You can't do whatever you want there. Hope the investigation is swift.

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