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New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said disciplinary action would be taken against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad over allegations that he used an electronic cigarette inside the House during the Winter Session.
Birla said the matter was under investigation and would be referred to the appropriate parliamentary committee once the probe is completed. "As soon as the investigation process is completed, the action plan will be made and the matter will go to the committee. No one will be allowed to spoil the dignity of the House," the Speaker said.
Emphasising the need to maintain decorum, Birla said that violating parliamentary conduct would invite punishment under the rules and procedures of Parliament. "Maintaining the dignity of the House is non-negotiable. A member could even lose his membership," he said, adding that action would be taken strictly in accordance with established norms.
The issue was raised after BJP MP Anurag Thakur filed a formal complaint during the Winter Session, alleging that a TMC member was "openly using" an e-cigarette while seated in the Lok Sabha during proceedings. In his letter to the Speaker, Thakur said the act was clearly visible to several members and amounted to a serious breach of parliamentary conduct.
Thakur also pointed out that electronic cigarettes are banned across the country under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019, and said the alleged act violated statutory provisions.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya earlier shared a 35-second video on social media, claiming it showed Azad vaping inside the House. The video purportedly shows the MP bringing his cupped hand to his mouth and holding it there for a few seconds.
Reacting to queries from reporters, Birla said, "We will act on the recommendation of the committee. Everyone will have to maintain decorum in the House. A member could even lose his membership."
"Nobody will be allowed to lower the dignity of the House," Birla said, adding, "It is a responsibility. You will have to maintain decorum inside the House and the one who does not maintain decorum will be punished under the rules and procedures of the Parliament. Action will be taken according to the rules."
