Expunging in Parliament

Expunging in Parliament

News: A portion of a speech delivered by the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha on February 7th, 2023 were expunged from the records of Parliament by the Speaker's orders.

Background:
 The decision of what parts of a speech are to be expunged lies with the Presiding Officer of the House.

What are rules on Expunging from the record?
 Under Article 105(2) of the Indian Constitution, Members of Parliament enjoy immunity from court proceedings for their statements in Parliament. However, their speeches are subject to the discipline of the Rules of Parliament, the 'good sense' of its Members, and the control of proceedings by the Speaker.
 Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha gives the Speaker the discretion to expunge any words or expressions used in debate that are considered defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified.

How is the decision taken?
 The decision to expunge a word or portion of a speech is taken by the Speaker under Rule 380, based on a recommendation from the head of the reporting section, taking into account the context in which the word or sentence was used.
 The context is key in making the decision to expunge a remark. The focus is on removing the minimum number of words. Rule 381 says: The portion of the proceedings of the House so expunged shall be marked by asterisks and an explanatory footnote shall be inserted in the proceedings as follows: ‘Expunged as ordered by the Chair’.
 The expunged portions cease to exist in the records of Parliament and cannot be reported by media houses, although they may have been heard during the live telecast of the proceedings. However, the proliferation of social media has introduced challenges in implementing expunction orders.