Secret Sitting in House

Source: IE

Context: Discussions have resurfaced on the provision of holding a secret sitting in Lok Sabha as outlined in the parliamentary rules.

• Despite existing rules, India has never officially held a secret sitting, with the closest instance being during the 1962 India-China conflict.

About Secret Sitting of Lok Sabha:

• What it is

• A secret sitting is a closed-door parliamentary session where discussions are held confidentially, without public or media access.

• Constitutional Provision:

• The Constitution of India does not directly mention secret sittings, but it empowers Parliament to frame its own rules under Article 118. Chapter 25 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, specifically Rule 248 mention about Secret Sitting.

• Chapter 25 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, specifically Rule 248 mention about Secret Sitting.

• History:

• Though permitted by law, India has never conducted a secret sitting. In 1962, during the Chinese aggression, the proposal for secret sitting was suggested but declined by PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Though permitted by law, India has never conducted a secret sitting.

• In 1962, during the Chinese aggression, the proposal for secret sitting was suggested but declined by PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Who can declare a secret sitting:

• The Leader of the House can request it. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to approve and schedule the secret sitting. Secret sitting is allowed in Rajya Sabha as well. It is provided under Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), where the Chairman can permit a secret sitting on a request made by the Leader of the House.

• The Leader of the House can request it.

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to approve and schedule the secret sitting.

• Secret sitting is allowed in Rajya Sabha as well. It is provided under Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), where the Chairman can permit a secret sitting on a request made by the Leader of the House.

• It is provided under Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), where the Chairman can permit a secret sitting on a request made by the Leader of the House.

• Features of Secret Sitting:

• No visitors or outsiders are allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries. Proceedings are recorded and published only with the Speaker’s approval. Any unauthorized disclosure is considered a gross breach of privilege.

• No visitors or outsiders are allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries.

• Proceedings are recorded and published only with the Speaker’s approval.

• Any unauthorized disclosure is considered a gross breach of privilege.

• Limits:

• Participants cannot keep notes or publish any part of the discussion. Revealing secret sitting proceedings is considered a gross breach of privilege of the House, leading to disciplinary action. Only with the Speaker’s consent and a passed motion can such information be officially disclosed.

• Revealing secret sitting proceedings is considered a gross breach of privilege of the House, leading to disciplinary action.

• Only with the Speaker’s consent and a passed motion can such information be officially disclosed.