What Actions are Being Demanded Against Spy Cameras Targeting Women Legislators in Rajasthan Assembly?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Installation of cameras targeting women MLAs is a violation of privacy.
- Surveillance undermines the democratic spirit of the Assembly.
- Immediate action is demanded by Congress leaders to stop illegal monitoring.
- Legislative decorum must be maintained to support open debate.
- Such practices are seen as an attack on women's rights.
Jaipur, Sep 15 (NationPress) Rajasthan Congress MLAs Shimla Nayak and Geeta Barwar held a press conference on Monday at the State Congress headquarters in Jaipur, where they expressed serious concerns regarding the invasion of privacy experienced by women MLAs from the Opposition in the state Assembly.
They highlighted that the placement of video cameras specifically targeting the seating area of Opposition women MLAs contravenes the Assembly's regulations and represents a blatant disregard for legislative customs.
The purpose of cameras and microphones is to transmit the discussions and activities of the House both to the public and for official documentation, they noted.
However, the cameras situated in the section occupied by Opposition Congress women MLAs are reportedly being exploited, according to the two Congress representatives.
"These cameras are not intended for public broadcasting; instead, they have been designed to record and monitor their private discussions," they stated.
As per the two Congress MLAs, the video footage captured by these cameras is exclusively accessible to the Speaker of the Assembly, who continues to supervise these recordings even beyond the adjournment of House proceedings.
"Such actions constitute continuous surveillance on women legislators, infringing upon their right to privacy and dignity," they argued.
The MLAs asserted that this monitoring is not only ethically questionable but also legally indefensible.
They emphasized that the state Assembly should serve as a platform for transparent debate and discussion, not as a venue for clandestine observation.
"Recording discussions outside of official House proceedings and surveilling women MLAs through hidden or selectively positioned cameras is an assault on their constitutional rights and undermines the democratic ethos of the institution," they stated.
The Congress women MLAs have formally submitted their grievances to State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully, demanding the immediate removal of these cameras and cessation of illegal surveillance.
They asserted that such actions belittle women representatives and aim to stifle their voices.
The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee has condemned this severe breach of privacy and legislative etiquette, calling for urgent remedial measures.