'Breach Of Privilege, Contempt Of House': Venkaiah Naidu On Usage Of Cellular Phones During Rajya Sabha Proceedings

Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday raised concerns over unauthorised recording of proceedings of House being circulated on the social media.

Vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday urged the members to desist from using cellular phones during proceedings within the Rajya Sabha chambers.

Raising concerns over unauthorised recording of proceedings of House being circulated on the social media, the vice president on Wednesday said, "there's a restriction on usage of cellular phones within Rajya Sabha chambers. It has been observed that some members are using their mobile phones to record proceedings of house while sitting in chamber such conduct is against parliamentary etiquette

Members should desist from such unwarranted activities inside the chamber. Such unauthorised recording of proceedings of House and its circulation on social media may lead to breach of privilege and contempt of the house, the Rajya Sabha Chairman said.

His remarks came a day after Naidu on the first functional day in the Budget Session called for disruption-free, orderly discussions. He appealed MPs to make the Budget Session "more purposeful" by discussing issues "threadbare in an orderly and dignified manner" and not repeat "unfortunate incidents".

On the first full-day functioning of the House in the current Budget session which started on Friday, Naidu said the nation has completed 100 years of representative democracy.