No member has privilege to speak outside rules: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla on Thursday emphasised that while freedom of speech in Parliament is guaranteed, it is subject to the Constitution and the rules and standing orders governing parliamentary procedure.

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He said detailed guidelines exist under the rules on how Members should conduct themselves while speaking in the House. Referring to Article 105 of the Constitution, the Speaker clarified that the freedom of speech granted to Members is itself placed within the framework of parliamentary rules.

Addressing the House a day after the conclusion of the debate on the resolution seeking his removal from office, Birla said the House had witnessed over twelve hours of discussion during the past two days, with Members from various parties presenting their views, arguments and concerns.

"I listened carefully and attentively to every Hon'ble Member. I sincerely thank all Members of this House— whether they spoke in support or offered suggestions through criticism.

This is the essence of democracy: every voice is heard and every viewpoint holds value,” he said.Responding to concerns raised during the debate about opportunities to speak, the Speaker said all Members must follow the procedures laid down in the Rules of the House. “Some Members believe that the Leader of the Opposition may stand at any time and speak on any subject as a special privilege. I wish to clarify that the House functions according to rules framed by the House itself. These rules apply equally to every Member,” he said.

“No Hon’ble Member in this House possesses any privilege to speak outside the framework of these rules,” he added.