Speaker's decisions are not questionable: Sardinha

Panaji, July 17 (UNI) Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Francisco Sardinha today ruled that the ''decisions of the Chair are not questionable and the Speaker is privileged not to explain the reasons for his ruling.'' Making a suo moto statement in the question hour in response to the noisy scenes and protests of the BJP Opposition on Friday last against his ruling that restricted the electronic media from covering the proceedings of the House not beyond question hour, Mr Sardinha warned the members against making any remark that reflected on the conduct of the House. The Speaker said it would attract the provisions of the contempt of the House and, hence, the privileges.

The Speaker had also reprimanded Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar for rushing to the press describing his (Speaker's) ruling as ''dictatorial, undemocratic and partisan.'' He, however, said he would look into the issue raised by Mr Parrikar about a section of the media reporting what was to be discussed today in the question hour - for question number 20 related to foreigners buying land in Goa.

He had further appealed to the members to keep the ''dignity, decency and decorum of the House'' during the sessions without reflecting on the character and conduct of the members.

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