The State Assembly today rejected by voice vote a breach of privilege notice against Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh moved by the lone KHNAM legislator Adelbert Nongrum.
It is for the first time in recent memory that a privilege notice was moved against the Speaker of the House by an MLA.
Nongrum brought the privilege notice claiming that the Speaker did not follow the rule book when he did not allow him (Nongrum) to introduce the Meghalaya Agriculture Land Regulation Bill, 2022 on March 8.
Accusing the Speaker of breaching his privilege, Nongrum also tried to justify his stance against the Speaker.
However, Nongrum’s contention was opposed by both the treasury benches and the opposition.
Later, the Speaker put the privilege notice moved by Nongrum to vote and it was rejected by voice vote.
Referring to rule 314 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, the Speaker said, “If any doubt arises as to the interpretation of any of the provisions of this rule, the decision of the Speaker shall be final. I also give my ruling that this privilege notice will not be a precedent.”
Earlier, Nongrum said that he had come prepared for introduction of the Meghalaya Agriculture Land Regulation Bill, 2022, and was ready to move a motion for leave as per rule for consideration of the House.
However, Nongrum alleged that the Speaker asked him to do it in a different way deviating from the rule book.
The KHNAM MLA and the Speaker then dwelt on technicalities related to introducing a bill.
Nongrum’s privilege notice against the Speaker was strongly objected by both the ruling and the opposition benches.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the parliamentary affairs portfolio, asked Nongrum under which provision he brought the breach of privilege notice to the Chair.
“Please show me the provision, and if there is no provision, it should be expunged and instead I would propose breach of privilege motion be brought against the member (concerned),” he said.
Raising a point of order, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma discussed how such privilege notice against the Speaker can be moved in the House without following the relevant rules as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
Dr. Sangma said that he appreciates the right of all the members of the House, but no unhealthy precedent should be set on not following the rules.
