‘Legislature, judiciary must not cross Lakshman Rekha’

The Speaker, while reiterating his stand of not replying to the SC notice over the MPs expulsion, however, said there was no question of any confrontation with the Judiciary, since, at the time of the expulsions, there was no court order.

He said that he held the SC in high esteem and had always been conscious about protecting its dignity.

‘‘We all respect the Judiciary and never ever has any sub-judice matter been discussed in the House and no remarks ever passed against honorable judges,’’ he said.

Earlier, in his speech to the Assembly members, the Speaker termed the expulsion of MPs as a sad experience and hoped it will not recur. He also advised them to stick to set norms. ‘‘We should strictly adhere to norms of exemplary behaviour. No one should be in a position to point an accusing finger,’’ he said.

Asked about misuse of MPLAD funds, he said that the matter was before a committee and it was premature to comment on it. At the same time, he pointed out that he was the first MP to raise voice against anomalies in implementation of the MPLAD Scheme. He said that majority voice is not in favour of abolishing it. ‘‘They want it to continue but with changes in guidelines,’’ he said and disclosed that the matter has been forwarded to the Ministry of Programme Implementation.

Replying to queries on whether the Women Reservation Bill will see the light of day in the Budget Session of the Parliament, the Speaker said that he would be happy if it’s passed during his tenure.