Speaker orders MLAs to switch off mobiles

Chennai, May 25 (UNI) Assembly Speaker R Avudaiyappan today directed many first-time MLAs, who are yet to get accustomed to the rules and regulations of the House, to switch off their mobile phones which kept ringing throughout the proceedings.

Even as the House was passing a condolence motion on the demise of former Assembly speaker and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P T R Palanivel Rajan, the ringtones kept striking a discordant note at frequent intervals.

Pointing out the unwelcome musical interruptions, the Speaker directed that all members should switch off their phones before entering the House from tomorrow.

Earlier, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had advised the new members to get accustomed to the procedures of the House.

Members of the ruling DMK even had a training session at the party office yesterday with regard to conduct in the House. They were impressed upon by the senior leaders to uphold the decorum of the House.

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