Vice-President Dhankhar highlights role of debates in a democracy, need for presiding authorities to assert authority

Speaking at the closing session of the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Mumbai, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar encouraged presiding officers to invoke authority to ensure decorum in legislative bodies

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted on Sunday that the essential role of debates in democracy has devolved into quarrels and the need for presiding officers to assert authority and maintain decorum in legislative bodies.

Speaking at the closing session of the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Mumbai, he expressed concern over planned disruptions in legislative proceedings, labelling political weaponry as counterproductive and incompatible with the democratic system. As many as 26 Presiding Officers from 18 States, including 16 Speakers attended the conference.

“It is no secret that disturbances and disruptions are planned, at whose behest placards are printed and slogans coined. Political weaponry is counterproductive and has no place in our system,” he said.

Mr. Dhankhar underscored that the erosion of public trust in representative bodies and their members is a “cancerous” issue for society. Presiding officers should engage in stock-taking and invoke authority to ensure decorum. They must do correctional therapy to stop degeneration, he said.

“The presiding officers are guardians of democratic pillars, and you should be open to diverse perspectives, lamenting the transformation of debates, once the cornerstone of democracy, into contentious encounters,” the Vice-President said.

He also announced the inclusion of all enacted laws and acts on Parliament’s website, providing public access to this information.

Expressing concern over the increasing incidents of indiscipline and disruptive behaviour, Mr. Dhankhar called for introspection to address these issues, highlighting the necessity for presiding officers of both Houses to collaborate effectively in maintaining order within the legislature.