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Lok Sabha Speaker invokes rules to bar quoting from unpublished memoir

Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters

This event highlights key aspects of parliamentary functioning, specifically the discretionary powers of the Speaker under the Rules of Procedure (Rule 349). It also touches upon crucial national security themes, including the political accountability for the 2020 LAC crisis and the internal military reception of the Agnipath scheme, reflecting the intersection of defense policy and legislative oversight.

Summary

During the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane's unpublished memoir 'Four Stars of Destiny'. Gandhi sought to highlight the book's alleged criticisms of the government's handling of the 2020 India-China border conflict and the Agnipath scheme. Speaker Om Birla disallowed the remarks, invoking Rule 349(i) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, which prohibits quoting from books or articles unless directly related to the business at hand, leading to a major uproar and the adjournment of the House.

Key Points

  • The Lok Sabha faced disruptions during the Motion of Thanks to the President's address after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane.
  • Gandhi intended to reference passages critical of PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding their handling of the 2020 border standoff with China and the implementation of the Agnipath scheme.
  • Speaker Om Birla invoked Rule 349(i) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, which prevents members from quoting books or articles that do not directly pertain to the House's ongoing business.
  • The Defence Ministry has reportedly put the publication of the memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny', on hold for review.

Important Terms

Motion of Thanks

A parliamentary motion moved to express gratitude for the President's Address (under Article 87). It facilitates a debate on the government's policies and priorities for the upcoming year.

UPSC context

GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures. Tests knowledge of parliamentary accountability and procedural devices.

Source
Agnipath scheme

A recruitment model for non-officer ranks in the Indian Armed Forces. Recruits (Agniveers) serve for four years, with 25% subsequently absorbed into permanent commission.

UPSC context

GS Paper II/III: Government policies and Internal Security. Focuses on defense reforms and socio-economic implications.

Source
Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha

Codified rules under Article 118 of the Constitution that govern Lok Sabha proceedings. Rule 349(i) specifically restricts members from reading non-business-related books in the House.

UPSC context

GS Paper II: Parliament. Tests understanding of legislative procedures and the Speaker's regulatory powers.

Source
Lok Sabha

The Lower House of India’s bicameral Parliament, composed of directly elected representatives. It holds primary authority over money bills and the council of ministers.

UPSC context

GS Paper II: Constitutional bodies and Parliament. Core topic regarding the structure of Indian democracy.

Source
Four Stars of Destiny

The unpublished memoir of former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane. It reportedly contains insights on the 2020 India-China standoff and the origins of the Agnipath scheme.

UPSC context

Current Affairs: Security and Civil-Military relations. Relevant for internal security and strategic debates.

Source

Prelims Trap

The defeat of the Motion of Thanks in either House of Parliament leads to the immediate resignation of the government.

Defeat of the Motion of Thanks only forces resignation if it occurs in the Lok Sabha (collective responsibility). A defeat in the Rajya Sabha causes embarrassment but not the fall of the government.

Static Concepts Connected

Polity - Parliament

What is the constitutional significance of the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address?

  • Article 87: Mandates the President to address both Houses assembled together at the commencement of the first session of each year.
  • Cabinet Draft: The address is drafted by the Cabinet and highlights government policies and past achievements, serving as a formal policy statement.
  • Lok Sabha Defeat: It must be passed in both Houses. Its defeat in the Lok Sabha is treated as a vote of no-confidence, meaning the government must resign.
Security / Governance

How is the publication of memoirs by retired military officers regulated?

  • Official Secrets Act: Applies for life to armed forces personnel, making unauthorized publication of classified operational information or national security matters a punishable criminal offense.
  • Pension Rules 2021: Requires retired personnel from security/intelligence organizations to obtain prior clearance before publishing domain-related material, under penalty of pension withdrawal.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Parliamentary Privilege vs. Official Secrets Act

    Friction between an MP's freedom of speech in the House (Art 105) and the executive holding back a memoir under national security rules illustrates the boundaries of legislative privilege.

  • Agnipath scheme & civil-military relations

    Political debate surrounding an ex-Army Chief's unpublished critique connects the Agnipath recruitment model directly to broader UPSC themes of civil-military relations and the politicization of defense policy.

Expect a Prelims question testing the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure governing MP conduct alongside Article 105 parliamentary privileges.

Linked PYQs · 4

Linked PYQs · 4

  • 2020MainsGS2

    Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker' ! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha ? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

  • 2022PrelimsGS1

    With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: 1. As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix. 2. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party. 3. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings. 4. The well established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  • 2012MainsGS2

    Do you think that China's emergence as one of the largest trading partners of India has adversely affected the settlement of the outstanding border problem?

  • 2023MainsGS3

    The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.