Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today said that the gradual decline in the dignity of legislative institutions is a matter of concern for all legislators. Freedom of speech and privilege of Members should not be construed as the freedom to lower the dignity of the House, he asserted. Shri Birla made these remarks at Delhi Vidhan Sabha today while delivering the Valedictory Address at the Conference of Presiding Officers of States/Union Territories on the occasion of the centenary year celebration of the election of eminent freedom fighter, scholar and jurist Shri Vitthalbhai Patel as the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly.

Shri Birla urged that legislators must renew their commitment to ensure free, fair, and dignified discussions in legislative bodies on centenary year celebration of legacy of Shri Vitthalbhai Patel. Shri Birla underlined that all political parties must come together to ensure that the forthright expression of ideas continues in legislative bodies, strengthening democracy through both agreement and disagreement.

Speaking about the conduct of Legislators, Shri Birla noted that Members of Legislative bodies must uphold rules, conventions and traditions of legislative bodies. He said that makers of our Constitution gave Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies complete freedom to criticize the Government within the House as part of privilege. He noted however that, this privilege must be tempered with proper conduct. He called on all political parties to reflect on the importance of freedom of expression within legislative institutions.

He added that the House must always be the voice of the people, and the laws made should be in the public interest. Shri Birla observed that the responsibility of the Presiding Officer is very significant in this regard. He expressed confidence that present and future Presiding Officers will keep the proceedings of the House free, fair, and dignified.

Speaking about the historic character of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Building, Shri Birla noted that the chamber has been witness to the voice and expression of leaders who fought for independence through legislative means. He added that the Chamber bears testimony to all those great freedom fighters who struggled for the nation’s independence. He added that on this centennial year, Shri Vitthalbhai Patel’s personal and public life, role as Speaker, and his role in the freedom struggle continues to inspire every Indian. Shri Birla said that Shri Vitthalbhai Patel ensured the establishment of an independent secretariat and offices under the Speaker to make sure that free expression could reach the public correctly. He added that this system continues to be a source of guidance even today.

Noting the legacy of Shri Vitthalbhai Patel, Shri Birla said that traditions established by him were later included in the Constitution of India and both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, they have their own independent secretariats. He said that on the occasion of the centennial year, the legacy of Shri Vitthalbhai Patel will not only inspire the nation but also guide it towards a new direction.

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Communication and DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Speaker of Delhi Vidhan Sabha, Shri Vijender Gupta; Presiding Officers of Various State Assemblies and Councils, MPs, MLAs and other dignitaries remained present on the occasion.

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AM