Chennai : The Tamil Nadu Assembly experienced a brief departure from its usual serious tone on Monday, as a discussion regarding parliamentary decorum sparked laughter among lawmakers and the Chief Minister. The lighthearted exchange followed a formal appeal by Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar, who urged members to uphold the dignity of the House and avoid making remarks that might require expungement from official records.
The Speaker’s request was prompted by a concern raised by DMK whip E.V. Velu, who had expressed frustration over social media platforms and YouTube channels broadcasting comments that had already been struck from the legislative record. In his address, Speaker Prabhakar noted that the live telecast of proceedings had piqued the interest of younger citizens, who had questioned him about the necessity of expunging certain remarks. He used the opportunity to remind representatives of their responsibility to maintain a respectful environment, specifically asking party whips to discourage members from making aggressive gestures or crowding the front rows during debates.
A Humorous Exchange on Legislative Conduct
During the ensuing discussion, E.V. Velu offered a different perspective on House rules, arguing that while entering the well of the chamber constitutes a breach of protocol, simply raising hands or moving toward the front desk should be permissible. To illustrate his point, Velu shared a humorous anecdote from his past, recalling a time when he struggled to catch the attention of the late Speaker K. Kalimuthu. He jokingly recounted how, after his repeated attempts to be noticed failed, he resorted to climbing onto a desk with both hands raised.
The story prompted an immediate reaction from former minister Thangam Thennarasu, who jokingly thanked Velu for “teaching” the current members a new technique for gaining the Speaker’s attention. The remark drew widespread laughter from the floor, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay also joining in the amusement.
Speaker Closes Debate with a Nod to History
Speaker Prabhakar ultimately brought the discussion to a close with a witty retort that acknowledged the House’s turbulent history. While maintaining his stance on decorum, he quipped that he was willing to permit most forms of expression, provided members refrained from attempting to occupy the Speaker’s chair. The comment was a clear reference to the chaotic scenes that unfolded on February 18, 2017, during a confidence motion against the then-AIADMK government. The Speaker’s remark was met with smiles from across the aisle, effectively diffusing the tension and allowing the session to proceed.
