Speaker orders confiscation of Cong MLA's mobile

Kolkata, Jul 11 (UNI) In a rare disciplinary step the West Bengal Assembly Speaker today ordered confiscation of the mobile phone of a Congress MLA on charge of violating the code of conduct of the House besides, imposing a fine of Rs 2000.

Mr Hasim Abdul Halim ordered immediate confiscation of Mr Asit Mal's set after it began ringing in his absence during the question hour.

Later the legislator rushed back to the House and urged the Speaker to return the set and offered unconditional apology for 'unknowingly violating' the code of conduct of the House.

Mr Halim lambasted him and returned the set after imposing a fine of Rs 2000 on charge of violating his earlier stricture in this regard.

''It is very unfortunate that despite repeated appeals, some members bring their mobile sets in the House without putting it in the silent mode. As a result it disturbs the House proceedings,'' he observed.

Describibg the act of the Congress MLA as 'utter carelessness', the Seaker warned that this time he only imposed a fine but in future he would order complete seizure of the set.

This caused a flutter in the House and most members were seen hurriedly putting the set in the silent mode.

Later, the Speaker told newsmen that in case of any violation of his order by anybody, including reporters, his or her mobile set will not only be seized but their assembly passes cancelled forthwith. He said this would be done in accordance with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Regulation Committee's decision of which he is the current chairman.

UNI ABA SP PL RD 1254