Tripura Assembly Considers Restricting Questions On Older Subjects: Speaker Proposes New Rule

Speaker Sen explained that while Rule 41 currently allows members to submit or pose questions on issues spanning three, four, or five years, the Assembly aims to formalize a rule that prohibits any queries related to subjects older than three years. Sen emphasized that this move aligns with parliamentary practices, citing the precedent set by the Lok Sabha, which refrains from entertaining questions on topics older than three years.

"We run the Assembly guided by Rules and Procedures," Sen stated, highlighting the intention to introduce a bill enforcing this restriction. The decision stems from discussions with political party representatives who expressed a desire to emulate the practices of the Parliament in this regard.

However, the proposal has encountered opposition, with Animesh Debbarma, the Leader of the Opposition in the Tripura Assembly, strongly objecting to the initiative. Debbarma argued that such a rule would curtail the right to address significant issues that have transpired three years or more ago.

Jitendra Choudhury, the CPI(M) state secretary, claimed that the Rules Committee itself is divided on the matter. Expressing concerns about the potential implications, Choudhury asserted that if the proposal evolves into a formal rule or act, legislators would be deprived of the opportunity to raise corruption issues beyond a three-year timeframe.

The Speaker assured further investigation into the practices of the Parliament by seeking details from the Lok Sabha secretariat. The outcome of this inquiry is expected to be presented in the next meeting of the Rules Committee, leaving the fate of the proposed rule uncertain.