Legislative overreach

Nine MPs, from several parties, have filed notices with the presiding officers of their Houses accusing various people associated with Anna Hazare’s agitation of violating the privileges of Parliament. Those named in the notices include Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and even actor Om Puri. While many would agree that much of what was said from the stage at the Ramlila Maidan was disrespectful of democratic politics, serving breach-of-privilege notice on those saying those words does not reflect a mature, liberal polity. At this time of strain, especially, Parliament must be seen to be above petty point-scoring with those who would seek to demean or undermine it.

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