NEW DELHI, Feb 24: Anguished over poor quality of legislative debate, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said MPs need to exercise their right to free speech with responsibility as Parliament cannot be allowed to become “akhara” (fighting ground).
Addressing the 61st convocation of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) here, he said the Constitution has given parliamentarians freedom of speech but that comes with a responsibility.
It is a privilege that MPs enjoy as no court cases can be filed against them for anything said in Parliament, he said.
“This privilege comes with very heavy responsibility. The responsibility is that everyone speaking in Parliament must do after due thought and consideration. It cannot be based on unclarified situations,” he added. Parliament cannot be allowed to become a fighting ground (akhara) where there is free fall of information, he said, adding that MPs must take responsibility for whatever they speak. Parliament is meant for discussion, instead it is being disrupted constantly and many have expressed anguish over such debates, he said and urged MPs to introspect. The second leg of Budget session of Parliament will commence on March 13. (PTI)
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