'Will name you in future': Speaker Om Birla cautions ministers, members against long chats in House chamber

Om Birla said he had observed members and ministers speaking among themselves for up to half an hour while the House was in session.

As Zero Hour began at 12 noon on Thursday in the second phase of Parliament’s Budget Session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla cautioned Union ministers and MPs against engaging in prolonged conversations during proceedings, warning that he would “name” them if the practice continues.

Birla said he had observed members and ministers speaking among themselves for up to half an hour while the House was in session. While brief and essential exchanges were acceptable, extended discussions were not. “I will name you in future... it is important to maintain the dignity of the House,” he said.

In parliamentary practice, naming a member is treated as a form of admonishment.

Earlier, during Question Hour, the Speaker also pulled up Independent MP Pappu Yadav for talking to another member while turning his back to the Chair, saying a senior member like him should refrain from such conduct.