Did the Maha Assembly Supporters of MLAs Face Civil Custody?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two-day civil custody recommended for supporters involved in a physical altercation.
- Complete ban on entry to Vidhan Bhavan for the remaining Assembly term.
- Incident highlights the need for decorum in legislative institutions.
- Speaker emphasizes maintaining the traditions of the state legislature.
- Proposals for a database system to monitor entry requests to the legislature.
Nagpur, Dec 12 (NationPress) The privileges committee of the Maharashtra legislature has proposed two days of civil custody for two supporters associated with ruling and opposition MLAs after a physical confrontation in Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai, during the monsoon session. Furthermore, they will face a total ban on entering the premises of both Mumbai and Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan for the duration of the Assembly’s tenure.
Committee chairperson and Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar informed the House that these recommendations emerged after a thorough review of the incident.
The committee meticulously verified the facts and the sequence of events before finalizing their decision,” he stated.
The report submitted by Bhondekar during the winter session highlighted that Nitin Deshmukh, a supporter of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad, and Sarjerao Takale, a supporter of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, were involved in a brawl within the state legislature’s lobby during the monsoon session.
The committee also proposed establishing a dynamic database system to screen applicants requesting entry to the legislature, thereby preventing access to individuals with serious criminal charges.
The privileges committee's suggestions are significant, following Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar's directive on July 18, which referred the case of Takale and Deshmukh to the Legislative Assembly Privileges Committee for investigation and action due to their breach of privilege.
Speaker Narwekar expressed great concern regarding the clash between the supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP SP MLA Jitendra Awhad that took place in the Vidhan Bhavan lobby on July 17, stating it was a severe blow to the traditions of the state legislature.
In his remarks, the Speaker announced that a criminal case had been filed against Padalkar’s supporter, Sarjerao Baban Takle (age 37), and Awhad’s supporter, Nitin Hindurao Deshmukh (age 41).
“In light of this unfortunate incident, I emphasize to all members that while fulfilling our responsibilities in the Bhavan, we must uphold the highest traditions of the state legislature, which is often referred to as the temple of democracy. Such occurrences should not be repeated, and legislators must exercise due diligence,” he remarked.