NEW DELHI: The protest against the apex court’s verdict on the SC/ST Act also reached the Lok Sabha where proceedings were disrupted yet again on Monday amid slogan shouting by the Opposition members. Members from the Congress and the RJD were seen waving documents and demanding review of the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of immediate arrest under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Earlier, AIADMK lawmakers protested inside the House seeking early constitution of the Cauvery water management board. Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till 12 noon during the Question Hour. As soon as the House met for the day and took up the Question Hour, AIADMK members rushed into the Well shouting slogans such as ‘We want justice’ and ‘We demand Cauvery board’.
Lawmakers from the Opposition parties including the Congress, the NCP, the Left, the TDP and the RJD were standing in their seats seeking the Speaker’s ruling on the notices they had given on the no-confidence motion.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was also seen appealing to the AIADMK members to return to their seats, saying she cannot take up the no-confidence motion unless the House is in order. “I am duty-bound to place the no-confidence motion. But this is not the way. Please go to your seats. I am not in a position to count,” she said.Parliamentary minister Ananth Kumar said the government was ready for discussion but there has to be complete harmony in the House. “We are ready to discuss and give reply. But the opposition is not allowing it,” he said.