Latest news with #RulesofProcedure
Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab PTI MPAs face speaker's reference
Listen to article Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has announced that a reference will be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against 26 suspended PTI MPAs over their "disruptive, abusive and violative" conduct during a recent assembly session. The move follows the suspension issued on June 27 under Rule 210(3) of the Rules of Procedure of the provincial legislature of the Punjab, 1997, after the members disrupted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's address with slogans and ruckus in the House. Further escalating tensions, the speaker also ordered recovery of Rs2,035,000 in damages from 10 PTI MPAs - Rs203,550 each – for climbing desks and damaging eight microphones during their June 16 protest during the provincial budget presentation. In another incident, PTI MPA Hassan Malik (PP-81) was barred from attending the assembly until the current session is prorogued, following his act of hurling a copy of the budget speech at Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja Ur Rehman. On June 24, the speaker gave a ruling stressing the importance of maintaining parliamentary decorum: "I emphasise all members, regardless of their political affiliation, in order to preserve decorum, uphold the dignity of this august Assembly, and ensure that parliamentary proceedings can continue without disruption." "I shall take all the steps within the legal framework to maintain order and uphold dignity of this august House and its members," he further warned. The response came after Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar raised a point of order, defending protest as a constitutional right. To determine the limits of that right, the speaker cited Rule 223 of the Assembly's Rules of Procedure, enacted under Article 67, read with Article 127 of the Constitution, which outlines members' conduct in the House. However, Bhachar strongly condemned the speaker's orders and vowed the opposition would continue its protest undeterred by threats of de-seating or financial penalties. "It was decided in our parliamentary meeting that opposition members will enter and leave the House silently," he said, noting that when he attempted to speak on a point of order, the speaker did not grant him the floor. PTI rejects 'fascist tactics' Meanwhile, senior PTI leaders blasted the ruling coalition and the judiciary, denouncing the "orchestrated campaign" to suppress the party and dismantle democracy. They firmly rejected the notion of a "Minus Imran" formula. In a joint press conference with suspended Punjab Assembly members, PTI legal counsel Salman Akram Raja, Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, and senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa condemned the systematic persecution of their party. "There is no Minus-Imran plan. The party hasn't even considered such a thing," Salman Akram Raja said. "For 78 years, we've been fed the illusion of democracy, when in reality, we've only seen authoritarian rule," he added, accusing the state of continuously installing "political proxies". Raja noted that PTI had engaged even with those "propped up on crutches", only to meet inertia. "Every time we met them, they said: 'We'll ask and let you know.' Even when we requested a meeting with our party founder, they again said they had to seek permission. They admitted they had no authority. So, what are we to negotiate with such powerlessness?" Regarding the Swat tragedy, where 16 tourists lost their lives in a flash flood, Raja acknowledged the limits of governance in natural calamities, adding, "If a family on a picnic is struck by an act of God, what can any government do? The K-P government isn't Superman." Opposition Leader Bhachar reiterated claims of institutional overreach. "We're resisting fascism in the Punjab Assembly," he said. "Last night, they launched a surprise assault and suspended 26 of our members." Bhachar maintained that PTI lawmakers had exercised their constitutional right to protest. "Not only were we suspended, but they also fined us. And now they're preparing to file references in the Election Commission," he said, pointing out double standards in the chamber. "The deputy speaker was raising slogans from the chair... has any action been taken against him?" He added that he had tried three times to take the floor but was not allowed to speak. "It is a principle that the opposition leader must be given the floor when he rises," Bhachar said, noting that legal consultation on the fines is underway. Sardar Latif Khosa, meanwhile, took aim at the judiciary. "Justice Qazi Faez Isa's decisions are equivalent to murdering democracy," he said. "The nation is holding him accountable — and will continue to do so." He also questioned the legitimacy of the chief election commissioner's continued service. "He's retired, yet still sitting due to the 26th constitutional amendment," Khosa said, adding that the notion of military courts for civilians was incompatible with democracy. Calling the SC's reserved seats case decision "the darkest in its history", Khosa said, "We had a two-thirds majority, yet we are to receive zero Senate seats? There cannot be a more disgraceful or repugnant decision than this." "These decisions will cost the nation for centuries," he warned, pledging never to surrender. "We are fighting for the rights of the people of Pakistan." Salman Akram Raja said PTI's commitment remained undeterred. "Yesterday's decision has not weakened our commitment. We will restore the rights of the people," he declared. "This case isn't about PTI or the Sunni Ittehad Council alone — it belongs to every citizen." "We reject this verdict, and will continue to do so," he asserted. He accused the state of sidelining PTI from the February 8 general elections. "First, our electoral symbol was snatched. Then, our reserved seats were looted in the dark of night." "In Pakistan's entire legal history, there are only two rulings that went against tyranny. This was not one of them," he added. "Our opposition seats were distributed like spoils of war to other parties. The Constitution demands that reserved seats be proportionally allocated to parties winning general seats." "In this country, democracy has been treated like forbidden fruit," Raja said. "There's no doubt that PTI is the largest political force. Yesterday was just another failed attempt to silence that voice."
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Delhi Assembly to introduce gender-neutral language in rule book: Speaker
Speaker Vijender Gupta said a 100-day report card on Delhi Assembly work will be out June 6, highlighting 12 sittings and 46+ hours of debate - the longest session stretch in 25 years Nandini Singh New Delhi Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has announced plans to amend the Assembly's Rules of Procedure to reflect values of 'inclusivity, clarity, and equality', reported The Hindu. Speaking at a recent press conference, Gupta cited the consistent use of male pronouns in the existing rule book as an outdated practice. 'The process has already started. On June 5, the Rules Committee of the Assembly will meet to discuss and review the changes,' he said. He confirmed that gender-neutral terms like 'them' will replace gender-specific pronouns — a change inspired by best practices already adopted in both Houses of Parliament. These amendments are expected to be implemented in time for the upcoming Monsoon Session, scheduled for July. In addition to procedural changes, Speaker Gupta also shared that a comprehensive '100-day report card' on Assembly proceedings will be released on June 6. He revealed that over this period, the House convened for 12 sittings and held discussions for a total of 46 hours and 16 minutes — the longest single-session activity in the last 25 years. 'This reflects the seriousness and productivity with which legislative business is now being conducted,' Gupta stated. In another major announcement, the Speaker introduced the formation of two new standing committees: the Committee on Welfare of Senior Citizens and the Committee on Welfare of Transgender People. These bodies will focus on policy oversight and advocacy for often overlooked communities in the national capital.
NDTV
04-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Delhi Assembly To Introduce Gender-Neutral Terminology In Rule Book
New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday said they are planning to make amendments to Rules of Procedure in accordance with the GNCTD (Amendment) Act. Addressing a press conference, Gupta said they are planning to make amendments to Rules Of Procedure and make them at par with Parliament. The senior leader also said that Rule 280 of the Rules of Procedure will be reviewed and amended to align with the practices of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, in accordance with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Act, 2021. The review will also focus on simplifying legislative language and introducing gender-neutral terminology, he said. Gupta said the amendment in the GNCTD Act in 2023 did not alter the way the house functions in or impose any restrictions on the working of the assembly committees. "There have been allegations that the Assembly committees cannot examine CAG reports or summon officers, but the powers of the committees have not been reduced," he said. "The previous government used to summon officials in routine matters. The assembly committees -- privileges committee and the petitions committee-- can call officials and seek explanation in case of a complaint and also look into CAG reports," he added. He said that a draft is ready and the first meeting of the Rules Committee will be held on June 5. The review will also focus on simplifying legislative language and introducing gender-neutral terminology, reflecting the Assembly's commitment to inclusivity, clarity, and equality in its operations. The Eighth Delhi Assembly is approaching its 100th working day on June 4. Gupta said a special report-card is being prepared to document the milestones, decisions, and reforms undertaken and will be presented on June 6. He said two new committees have been constituted -- the Committee on the Welfare of Senior Citizens and the Committee on the Welfare of Transgenders and Persons with Disabilities. "These committees are aimed at strengthening the institutional framework for addressing the concerns of marginalised groups. The rules governing their structure and functioning will be placed before the Rules Committee for detailed review and recommendations," he added. Best practices from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be studied and incorporated to ensure effectiveness and alignment with national standards, he added. He also said the six long-pending reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) were tabled in the House during this period. To strengthen audit follow-up mechanisms, the Assembly is developing a dedicated Audit Para Monitoring System (APMS) mobile application. This digital tool will enable real-time tracking of audit recommendations, improve compliance, and enhance financial oversight, he added. The last amendment to the Rules of Procedure were made in 2017. Last month, former chief minister Atishi had written to Gupta and said that the public accounts committee does not have the authority to examine CAG reports on public health, liquor supply and vehicular air pollution. Gupta also said that Rule 280 was not clearly defined and was sometimes used by members for "vested" interests. While he did not mention any party, AAP hit out at him saying it was strange that a person who used every opportunity during last 10 years to disrupt Delhi Legislative Assembly is pointing fingers at others. "Mr Vijender Gupta is the same person who embarrassed his whole party, who stood on the desk of Legislative Assembly during its session. Mr Gupta should use his office to fulfill his promise to Bus Marshals about permanent jobs," the AAP said.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
What powers do Delhi Assembly committees have? New rules set to define
The powers of Delhi Legislative Assembly Committees, which have been a sore point between the BJP and the AAP of late, will be 'defined' in the Rules of Procedure of the House, Speaker Vijender Gupta said Monday. Gupta also said that the language of the rules will be made gender neutral, since they only refer to members as 'he' at present. Another change is expected in the rules for Special Mention during Assembly sessions. Leader of Opposition Atishi had raised the issue regarding the powers of Assembly committees after the amendment to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act in 2021, which curtails the power of these committees to look into day-to-day administration and administrative decisions. In a letter to Gupta, Atishi had said that the Public Accounts Committee does not have the power to look into the CAG reports because of the amendment. On Monday, Gupta said that the amendment did not affect the power of the Committees, and these will be defined in the new rules. 'The previous government misused committees. The amendments in the Act and how they impact the working of Committees will also be clarified in the rules,' he said. Talking about the other changes, Gupta said, 'Rules are being reviewed to be brought at par with rules in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. They will be made to follow best practices. The process has started, and the draft is ready. The first meeting of the Rules Committee will be held on June 5.' Speaking about the Special Mention, Gupta said that the rules are defined. 'It talks only about raising matters that are points of order. It is being used very casually at present. We will bring it in line with norms in Rajya Sabha,' he said. Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht added that for issues raised under Special Mention, officials would sometimes not respond. 'Now it will be ensured that questions are answered. If answers were wrong, there was no accountability. Next time onward, if questions are not answered by officials, they will be held accountable,' he said. Gupta, meanwhile, also said that a report of 100 days of the House will be released on June 6.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Male pronoun to be replaced with ‘them' in Assembly rule book to promote gender-inclusivity: Speaker
Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday said the 'Rules of Procedure' by which the Assembly is run will be amended to reflect 'the Assembly's commitment to inclusivity, clarity, and equality'. As an example, he cited the use of the male pronoun in the rule book, which he said will be replaced with the gender-neutral word 'them', in line with the best practices followed by the two houses of Parliament. 'The process has already started. On June 5, the Rules Committee of the Assembly will meet to discuss and review the changes,' said Mr. Gupta while addressing a press conference. The amended rule book is likely to be implemented during the upcoming Monsoon Session, which is expected to be held in July. He also said that a 'report card' on the 100 days of Assembly proceedings will be released on June 6. The Speaker said the House convened for 12 sittings and conducted business for 46 hours and 16 minutes, the longest legislative activity witnessed in a single session over the last 25 years. Mr. Gupta also announced the constitution of two new Assembly committees — Welfare of Senior Citizens and Welfare of Transgender People.
