EXPUNCTION IN HOUSE

Who can expunge MPs’ remarks?

Anyone who is chairing the House—be it the speaker, the chairman or presiding officers— has the right to expunge remarks. Remarks can also be expunged later, after going through the record of the day. There have been cases when MPs or parties have objected to some remarks and later it was found that unparliamentary words were used and they were expunged.

What does it mean when certain words or remarks are expunged?

It means the words will no more be a part of the recorded history of Parliamentary proceedings. The media too, can’t mention those words in its reports. But the rules for expunction can face a tough challenge in case of a live telecast on electronic media. If certain words are expunged later, the purpose gets defeated as the channels have already shown the content.

What type of words is considered unparliamentary?

The Lok Sabha secretariat had brought out a book on such words. There are about 800 words that cannot be used. For example, the word ‘chor’ or even ‘lie’ can’t be used. Instead of the word ‘lie’, an MP can accuse someone of ‘misleading’ the House.

The provisions for expunging ‘unparliamentary’ remarks is the key to maintaining a standard of debate in House. Why certain words are expunged from Parliament proceedings?

In Parliament proceedings, certain words or expressions are considered to be ‘unparliamentary’. In other words, they are not considered to be fit to be included in the Parliament records. If any member mentions those words during in his speech, the Chair has the right to remove them from the record. The removal of sentences or words from the daily proceedings is known as expunction.