Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on Monday directed the Chief Secretary to issue instructions to Municipal Commissioners, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations, officials of local bodies and Collectors to adhere to the warrant of precedence and ensure that the privileges and protocol due to MLAs are respected.

He said MLAs should be formally invited to all official functions organised by local bodies and district administrations. Referring to the existing government protocol, he said a copy of it would be made be mailed to all MLAs besides uploading a copy in their computers in the Assembly. He gave the ruling while disposing of a complaint raised by Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar MLA M.R. Pallavi (TVK) regarding a dispute at the inauguration of a government school building in her constituency (in which the Chennai Mayor had also participated).

Mr. Prabhakar said all officials and public representatives should follow the warrant of precedence and discharge their duties and responsibilities accordingly.

“What happened in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar appears to have occurred either knowingly or unknowingly due to a lack of understanding of the warrant of precedence. No further action is required, nor is there any need to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee,” he said.

‘Maintain decorum’

Mr. Prabhakar also warned that privilege proceedings would be initiated against members found violating the decorum of the House. He said videos showing some members ridiculing others and making faces during debates had gone viral on social media. “Such acts affect the dignity and decorum of the House. Members should uphold the traditions of the Assembly, which remains a role model for other legislatures,” he said.

The Speaker reminded members that they should not comment on matters that are sub judice.

He cautioned them against making personal attacks, using harsh language, or levelling baseless allegations that could disrupt the proceedings of the House.

He urged members to keep their speeches short and sweet so the House could make effective use of its time for debates and discussions on important issues.

The Speaker said members could raise important matters concerning their constituencies either during discussions, but submitting other issues in writing. Such submissions would be treated as part of the Assembly proceedings, recorded accordingly and copies would be provided to the members. They could also be printed and distributed among the people of the constituency.