Fifth - Goa Legislative Assembly

',
Under Section 16(3) of the Government of Union Territories Act, the powers
/ /$rIYiieges and immunities of the Legislative Asmbly of Union territory and of
the members of the Committees thereof shall be such as are for the time being
enjbyed the House of the People and its members and committees. As stated
in the Book of Practice and Procedure of Parliament by Kaul & Shakdher
speaches and writings reflecting on the House or its Committees or members
are punished by the House as a contempt on the principle that such acts tend to
obstruct the- House in the performance of their functions by diminishing the res-
pect due to them.
However, it is also established that fair comment on Parliamentary Conduct
of Members does not amount to a breach of privilege. But so far no guide-lines
have been laid down as to what constitutes fair comment. Each case must stand
upon its own facts and circumstances and if corruption is alleged or suggested
or improper motives are attributed the House would clearly bet well within its
rights, in dealing with the matter as a contempt.
The impugned letter describes the speech of the member demanding enquiry
into the death of Sidhartha as not at all civilised and noble. Further it appeals
to the Goans not to encourage such mischivous tendencies thereby describing the
speach as rnischivcuus.
The letter morewer imputes malafides to the Hon. Member concerned in so
far as it states that he is using Sidhartha's death for meeting one's political
ends. The letter may thus transgress the Linlits of fair comment and may deter
the member from discharging his duties.
I am therefore of the opinion that a prim-facie case is made out by the
lattez- in question. I therefore refer the matter to the Committee on Privileges,
for examination, investigation and report. 7
111. Shri V. D. Chodankar, M. L. A. was suspended from the service of the House
for the day.
.IV. Shri ~ u h h Faleim o M. L. A. moved a motion condemning the attempt on
the life of Smt. Indira Gandhi. The motion proposed put to vote and carried.
-V..i) Shri Herculano Douracto called the attention of the Chief Minister to the
following matter of urgent public importance;
"Serious inconvenience caused to travelling public at Cortalim and various
villages between Vasco and Margao, due to discontinuance of stage-buses from
Cortalim-Margao and Cortalim-Vasco da Gama and conversion of these routes
as direct routes between Vasco-Margao and vice-versa and steps Government
intend to take in the matter."
The Chief Minister asked for time to reply the calling attention notice.
ii) Shri R. D. Khalap, and Shri Herculano Dourado, called the attention of the
Minister for Labour to the following matter of urgent public importance:
"Reported misappropriation of amount of Rs. two lakhs in the I. T. I.
Farmagudi by producing receipts from the store-keeper that some machinery
worth the said amount has been received in the said I. T.I. and the action
taken by the Government in the matter."
Minister for Labour asked for time to reply the calling attention notice,