After scuffle, speaker forms ethics panel, tightens entry

MUMBAI: Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on Friday initiated breach of privilege action against two persons arrested in connection with the scuffle between supporters of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar in the lobby of the Vidhan Bhavan on Thursday.

- HT Correspondent

The speaker also announced that an ethics committee would be constituted to maintain the prestige of the state legislature.

"I have decided to constitute a committee along the lines of the committee existing in the Parliament," Narwekar told the assembly. The committee would have a wide range of powers including suspension and termination of legislators and it would be constituted within a week following consultations with the chairman of the legislative council and leaders of various parties, Narwekar said.

The speaker sought a report from the chief security officer of the legislature and announced measures to prevent such incidents in future, including prohibiting the entry of visitors in the legislature premises during when sessions are ongoing.

"Only legislators and their personal assistants will be allowed inside. Ministers should hold their meetings at the Mantralaya to avoid unnecessary crowding on the premises of the legislature," he said.

Both Nitin Deshmukh and Sarjerao Takle, arrested for Thursday's scuffle, had entered the legislature without valid passes, according to the police.