Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker open to spl session on privilege issue

 Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad said on Tuesday he was not averse to a one-day session to discuss the issue of sentencing two journalists to one-year imprisonment for breach of privilege if the chief minister and Opposition desired it.

 In an apparent softening of his position, Koliwad said, “The resolution to accept recommendations of the privileges committee was taken by the House. So the House has to take a call on it. I alone cannot take any decision.”

He was responding to questions on the widespread criticism of the sentencing and petitions by Opposition leaders and journalist associations to withdraw the House resolution.

He, however, said he had not gone through any of the petitions. “My office might have received them...I have no objection if the chief minister and leaders of the Opposition parties decide to convene a one-day session for this purpose,” he added.

Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said the issue is likely to be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting.

The chief minister had recently assured a delegation of journalists appropriate action in this regard.

The Legislative Assembly recently accepted recommendations by the Privileges Committee to sentence tabloid editors Ravi Belagere of “Hai Bangalore” and Anil Raj of
“Yelahanka Voice” to one-year imprisonment with a fine of Rs 10,000 for breach of privilege.