Punjab Assembly Votes to Send Congress MLA's Privilege Case to Committee
The Punjab Legislative Assembly witnessed tumultuous scenes on Thursday as it passed a resolution by majority to refer a breach of privilege case against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira to the house privileges committee. The proceedings were marked by opposition uproar, with Congress members pressing for a separate resolution against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over alleged remarks about women at an International Women's Day event.
Resolution Cites Derogatory Statements and Conduct
The resolution, moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, specifically cited recent statements and conduct by Khaira that the treasury benches deemed derogatory and in violation of the dignity of the House. Cheema presented the resolution, explaining that the call for disciplinary action stemmed from social media posts made by Khaira on March 10.
In those posts, Khaira referred to the Speaker, ministers, and AAP MLAs as "bonded labourers." Cheema argued that such language undermined the dignity of constitutionally elected representatives and belittled the mandate given by the people through democratic elections.
Refusal to Retract Remarks Escalates Matter
The finance minister detailed that the matter escalated on March 11, 2026, when Khaira was permitted on the floor of the House to clarify his statements and offer an apology. However, Khaira refused to retract his remarks, leading to further contention. The resolution also condemned physical gestures allegedly made by Khaira while leaving the House during a walkout, with Cheema describing this conduct as lacking parliamentary decorum.
Speaker Emphasizes Collective Responsibility
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan emphasized the collective responsibility of all members to maintain the dignity of the House. He observed that before arriving at any final decision, it would be appropriate to refer the matter to the committee constituted by the house, which holds powers equivalent to the assembly itself.
Heated Exchange and Political Allegations
During the discussion, AAP MLA Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi launched a sharp criticism against Khaira and the Congress party. He alleged that some members of the Congress party had developed a habit of speaking against elected representatives. Sukhi further accused the party of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, claiming it conspired to defeat him in a Lok Sabha election.
Congress members immediately objected to these remarks, but the Speaker ruled that the reference was part of historical record and allowed Sukhi to continue speaking. This decision led to significant commotion within the House.
Opposition Questions Procedure and Demands Parity
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, along with other Congress MLAs, questioned under which party Sukhi was speaking, given his resignation from the Shiromani Akali Dal in 2024 and his formal status being under discussion. The Speaker responded that Sukhi belonged to the SAD. Bajwa then questioned why the Speaker allowed a resolution against Khaira but not the resolution moved by Congress against the Chief Minister.
Congress MLA Pargat Singh also raised a procedural objection, stating that if the treasury benches were permitted to move a resolution, the opposition should also be allowed to move one as per the established rules of the House, demanding parity in treatment.
Separate Demand for Review of TET Imposition
In a separate development during the zero hour, the issue of imposing the Teacher Eligibility Test qualification on teachers recruited before 2011 was raised, with a demand for a review of the Supreme Court order mandating this requirement. AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Banawali raised the matter, noting that although the order was applicable nationwide, the state government should consider filing a review petition.
Banawali argued that teachers who were appointed after fulfilling the recruitment criteria applicable at that time should not be required to meet the TET condition retrospectively, protecting their employment status and professional standing.
