Current Situation: During the recent Parliament Session, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that his microphone was turned off during his address. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla refuted this, stating that presiding officers have no means to mute members’ microphones, and objected to the accusations against the Chair.
Control of Microphones in Parliament:
- Microphone System: Each Member of Parliament (MP) has a designated seat equipped with a microphone and switch system, marked with unique numbers.
- Activation Proce`ss: When an MP wishes to speak, they raise their hand to get the presiding officer’s attention and press the grey button on their switch set. The microphone’s LED turns red to indicate activation. Microphones are controlled from a central room, activated only upon the Speaker’s permission.
- Control Room Operations: Sound technicians, part of the staff recording parliamentary proceedings, manage the microphones from a chamber with a view of the presiding officers and MPs. Microphones are turned on and off based on the Chair’s directions.
- Speaking Rules and Time Limits: During Zero Hour, MPs have a three-minute limit, after which their microphone is automatically switched off. In debates, time is allocated to each party, with the Chair deciding on any extra time. Only the Lok Sabha Speaker or Rajya Sabha Chairman can direct mic control in special circumstances.
- Special Mentions: For Special Mentions, MPs are limited to reading 250 words. After the mention is read, the microphone is turned off by the chamber staff. These mentions are used to bring urgent public issues or grievances to the House’s attention.
Historical Disputes Over Mic Muting:
Last week, Rahul Gandhi claimed his microphone was turned off when he raised the issue of NEET irregularities. In July 2023, Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that his microphone was muted while speaking in the Rajya Sabha, describing it as a breach of privilege and a personal insult.
Mic Muting and Breach of Parliamentary Privilege:
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 105 outlines the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. Article 194 extends similar provisions to State Legislatures and their members. Making speeches or publishing libel reflecting poorly on the House, its Committees, or members’ conduct as legislators is considered a breach of privilege and contempt.
- Lack of Codification: While the Constitution grants special privileges to parliamentarians to uphold the dignity and authority of the Houses, these privileges are not codified. There are no specific rules defining breaches of privilege or the penalties involved