Observing that the entire Parliamentary system has come under a cloud in the backdrop of the human trafficking case, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee is convening an all-party meeting next week to discuss conduct of members of Parliament.
Chatterjee gave indications that MPs tainted by their alleged involvement in the trafficking case, including suspended Bharatiya Janata Party MP Babubhai Katara, may not be allowed to attend the House resuming the second part of the Budget Session on Thursday.
"Please give me some time. Wait till tomorrow. I will make an announcement from the Chair. It is not fair for me to say anything outside the House," Chatterjee told reporters in reply to a volley of questions whether Katara would be allowed inside the House. He also said that the member was currently in jail and cannot attend the House.
Asserting that there was "no question of ignoring these issues" and "there is no question of brushing anything under the carpet," he said such issues should not be considered lightly.
The speaker said he had convened an all-party meeting next week to just discuss the conduct of MPs as several allegations were coming to fore.
"We will sit together only on this agenda. It will not just be this (trafficking case) matter, but general conduct of members," he said.
At the same time, Chatterjee wanted the media to desist from "blanket condemnation of all members."
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