Lok Sabha Speaker Expresses Anguish Over 'Politicisation' Of Parliament Security Breach, Announces High-Level Probe

Expressing dismay at the politicisation of the 13 December Parliament security breach incident, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced on Monday (18 December) that a high-level committee is investigating the matter as reported by Hindustan Times.

Opposition parties were calling for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the incident, and some opposition MPs were displaying placards with their demands.

Speaker Birla objected to the use of placards in the House, stating that it diminishes the dignity of the House.

Birla stated, "It is sad that politics is being done on this issue...To enter the Well of the House and sloganeering is against the dignity of the House. I request your (opposition) cooperation to hold discussions on important issues." 

He clarified that the suspension of some opposition members was not related to the 13 December incident but was a result of members bringing placards into the House.

During Question Hour, Speaker Birla informed members that the security of Parliament falls under the purview of the Lok Sabha secretariat.

He emphasised that the suspension of certain opposition members was linked to using placards rather than the 13 December incident.

Birla mentioned that a high-level committee has initiated an investigation, and some suggestions from the all-party meeting to enhance parliamentary security have been implemented.

Despite appeals from Birla and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to refrain from waving placards, opposition MPs continued their protests and sloganeering.

As a result, the Speaker adjourned the House until noon.

The opposition was also demanding action against BJP MP Pratap Simha, who authorised visitor passes for the individuals involved in the security breach on 13 December.

Lok Sabha Speaker Birla assured continued consultations on the issue and urged members to take their seats.

The suspension of 12 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP for disrupting proceedings during protests against the security breach was also discussed.

The breach occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, with two individuals jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber and releasing colored smoke and slogans before being subdued by MPs.