Parliamentary Privileges Not Absolute

The parliamentary privileges granted to the elected representatives by the Constitution are not absolute and apply only to the extent of discharging their duties in the respective legislatures, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh told the members of the Jharkhand assembly on Saturday.

- Vishal Kant

RANCHI:

The Rajya Sabha member of the Janata Dal (United) from Bihar was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day orientation programme for the newly-elected members of the Jharkhand assembly. In the House of 81, the sixth Jharkhand assembly has 21 first-time legislators.

"The Constitution has granted certain privileges and immunities in the rules, regulations, and conduct of legislative proceedings so that they function more effectively. These privileges are applicable only while discharging duties in the assembly and the committees. Even in the assembly, you can't make wild allegations or present unsubstantiated facts," he said.

Speaking about the growing disruptions in House proceedings, the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman advised the legislators that functioning as per the rules and procedures was more impactful in the long run.