Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has voiced serious concern over what he described as the steady decline in the dignity of discussions within India’s legislatures. Speaking at the All India Speakers’ Conference in Delhi, Birla said that while freedom of speech and robust debate are at the heart of democracy, they cannot be misused to damage the credibility of Parliament and state assemblies.
He noted that recent sessions have seen frequent disruptions, sloganeering, and exchanges that drift away from constructive dialogue. According to him, such behaviour erodes public faith in institutions meant to represent the people. “Freedom of expression is a right, but it should be exercised responsibly. Dignity of the House is above partisan politics,” Birla stressed.
The Speaker also highlighted the rising role of parliamentary committees, which he believes are still able to function with seriousness and relative decorum. Committees, he said, give members the chance to discuss issues in detail and across party lines, offering a model that should be emulated in the main chambers of legislatures as well.
Drawing on history, Birla invoked the example of Vitthalbhai Patel, India’s first elected Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, whose impartiality and respect for procedure helped set high standards for parliamentary conduct. Birla urged today’s lawmakers to uphold those traditions and to prioritize the public good over political point-scoring.
He also appealed to political parties, MPs, and MLAs to commit themselves to meaningful debates that address citizens’ concerns such as development, employment, and welfare. Maintaining the dignity of legislatures, he said, is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring that citizens continue to trust their representatives.
The remarks come at a time when sessions of both Parliament and several state assemblies have been repeatedly disrupted, drawing criticism from the public and civil society groups.
