Insult to MP by Home Ministry official generates heat in LS

New Delhi, May 10: Mistreatment meted out to a BJP member allegedly by a

official generated heat in the Lok Sabha today with Speaker

saying such incidents should not recur after which the government promised "appropriate action".

"A little insult to any member of this House is a serious matter. I am pained as it is my responsibility to protect honour and dignity of every member," Kumar observed.

Her remarks came soon after Bishnupad Ray (BJP) narrated the alleged misbehaviour by a Home Ministry official with him yesterday when he had gone to meet him on a matter concerning his constituency of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This led to sharp protests from the BJP and some other sections of the House.

Responding quickly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the government views very seriously any mistreatment of any member.

Bansal said he is personally taking the matter to the Home Minister and "appropriate action" will be taken.

When the BJP members continued to press for their demand, the Speaker observed that she was already seized of the matter and had initiated appropriate action on it before the House met for the day.

"My responsibility is not just to run the House but also to uphold the respect and ensure safety of the members. We have to ensure that this does not happen again," she said.

Earlier, when the House assembled for the day, the Speaker told the member that she had received his privilege notice against the official for alleged misbehaviour and assault on him.

"I have called for a factual report from the Ministry of Home Affairs. I will take a decision after receipt of the same," she said.

PTI