New Delhi, August 6: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday asserted that the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar cannot be discussed in Parliament, as the matter is sub-judice and falls outside the purview of parliamentary debate under existing rules of procedure.
Addressing the Lok Sabha amid persistent protests and slogan-shouting by Opposition MPs, who have stalled proceedings since the beginning of the Monsoon Session, Rijiju stated that while the government is open to discussing any issue, it must be done in accordance with constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules.
“The electoral roll issue, on which the Opposition has been disrupting the House, is currently under consideration by the Honourable Supreme Court and is therefore sub-judice,” Rijiju said.
He cited Rule 186 of Part 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, which prohibits discussion on matters under judicial adjudication. He also referred to Rule 352(1), which disallows members from referencing factual matters pending court decisions.
The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of using the SIR exercise in Bihar as a tool to “disenfranchise genuine voters” ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. However, Rijiju emphasized that the ECI, being an autonomous constitutional body, operates independently and its functioning cannot be questioned or debated in the House.
Rijiju reminded the House of a 1988 precedent, where then-Speaker Balram Jakhar denied an MP permission to raise matters related to the ECI’s functioning, reinforcing the principle of non-interference with autonomous institutions.
“The rules are very clear. The House cannot have a discussion on the working of an autonomous body like the ECI,” he reiterated, adding, “Do you want to break the rules of the House? Do you want to violate the Constitution?”
Calling for cooperation, Rijiju appealed to the Opposition to allow Parliament to function and engage in meaningful debate on permissible subjects. Despite his remarks, the Opposition remained defiant, continuing to demand a discussion on the electoral review process, alleging voter suppression and manipulation.
