Smokescreen Or Straight Facts? Parliament Session Over, But Complaints Against MPs Await Speaker's Action

A forensic test could determine if the vaping controversy in Lok Sabha will lead to action against TMC MP Kirti Azad. BJP MP Anurag Thakur had alleged that a Lok Sabha MP was smoking e-cigarettes inside the Lok Sabha chamber. Later, videos emerged on social media claiming that Kirti Azad was the offending MP. On Friday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the video footage has been sent for forensic examination. “After the forensic test, the Speaker will decide on the next course of action,” Rijiju said while addressing the media at the end of the winter session.

Speaker Om Birla also confirmed that a decision on whether to send the complaint to the ethics committee will be taken soon.

“It is quite serious if smoking happens

inside the house. There is a smoking room in the parliament complex. I personally am not in favour of smoking. Smoking in public is barred under law. But the matter will go to a committee, and a decision will be taken whether to send it to the ethics or privilege committee,” the Speaker said.

He also confirmed that a separate complaint has been received against Renuka Chowdhury, Rajya Sabha member, for bringing her dog inside the parliament. The Speaker said rules are being examined, and if needed, directions could be issued, making it clear that pet dogs are barred not just inside the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers but also from the entire premises.

On the question of DMK’s impeachment notice against a Chennai High Court judge, Om Birla confirmed that the signatures have been scrutinised and found to be in order. Under the Judges Enquiry Act, at least 100 MPs need to sign a notice of impeachment for it to be given in the Lok Sabha. “We are following the procedure and examining the notice,” Speaker Om Birla said, adding, “After we have examined it legally, a call will be taken on whether this should be sent to a parliamentary committee.”

BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal has also demanded action against MPs in Lok Sabha who climbed the table in protest during the G Ram G Bill discussion. Kiren Rijiju said the government is not pushing for action against Rajya Sabha MPs who similarly disrupted proceedings by entering treasury rows but is taking the Lok Sabha disruption seriously.