Karnataka Speaker bans mobile phones in Assembly

Use of mobile phones in the Karnataka Assembly was banned on Friday, a day after the House was rocked by chaos over a BJP member watching a zoomed in picture of Priyanka Gandhi during proceedings. Speaker Kagodu Thimappa suspended Prabhu Chavan said: “I hereby pronounce that the use of mobile phones in the state assembly is banned. Since Prabhu Chavan was watching a picture in an indecent manner, he is herewith suspended for a day from attending house proceedings. The Assembly proceedings were paralysed yesterday amid chaos over the BJP MLA’s conduct, with ruling Congress members on the offensive demanding action against the legislator. Mr. Thimappa also announced formation of legislature ethics committee, which will help mould the personality of legislators, monitor their behaviour in the House and legislative capabilities and enhance the dignity, decorum and prestige of the Assembly. “Already a legislature ethics committee has been formed in the Upper House, but has not met even once. However, such a committee also will be constituted in the lower house,” he added.   The Hindu