Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh today took strong exception to the use of an ‘unparliamentary’ language by Gambegre MLA Saleng A. Sangma and warned of stern action against the legislator in case of any further use of indecent words in the House.
It may be noted that the NCP legislator had yesterday uttered a certain obscene word while taking part in a short duration discussion related to the degradation of roads, traffic management and non-compliance of transport laws in the State. Later, the Speaker had ordered expunging of the word from the proceedings.
“I am taking strong exception to the action of the member (Saleng) and hence strong action will be taken by the House against the member on any further repetition of such action in the future. This is my ruling,” Lyngdoh said today.
The Speaker also said this is not the only time that Sangma had used such unparliamentary language and the legislator had used such words earlier too which had to be expunged from the proceedings of the House.
Reminding the members that the State Assembly has a rich tradition of conducting its businesses in a decent and dignified manner, Lyngdoh said, “Therefore, it is our responsibility to uphold this tradition and resist the use of any unparliamentary words or languages inside the House while participating in any debate or discussion.”
Under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the State Assembly, the Speaker is given the authority to order the expunction of words or phrases that, in his or her judgement, are “defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified”.
