The General Purposes Committee of the Rajya Sabha headed by chairman Hamid Ansari at its meeting deliberated on issues such as discussing sub-judice matters in the House, wearing of national flag in the form of lapel pin or badge in the House by members and rules relating to expunction of words from House proceedings in the light of their live telecast.
Speaking on the issue of sub-judice matters, Leader of House Arun Jaitley said there “cannot be a blanket ban” on discussing such matters. Jaitley, who has in the past few days repeatedly flagged the issue of judicial over-reach, is learnt to have said at the meeting that there are issues, which are before the courts for years together and that does not prevent the Parliament from discussing them.
Sources said he emphasised that the issues, which were in public domain, though pending in the Courts, can be discussed but at the same time, the issues involving individual culpability might not be allowed to be discussed in the House as it may affect the ongoing trial of the individual.