A Trinamool Congress MP has been accused of vaping inside the Lok Sabha chamber, and could potentially face “exemplary punishment,” according to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining the dignity of Parliament, stating, “There will be action against those who have violated the dignity of Parliament. No one has the right to undermine the sanctity of the House,” during a press conference at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, hosted by the Indian Parliament.
During the Winter Session, BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a TMC MP was seen using an e-cigarette in the House, despite such devices being banned nationwide. Thakur submitted a written complaint without naming the MP, but later, the BJP released a video clip purportedly showing TMC MP Kirti Azad vaping during a session.
The video has been sent to a forensic laboratory for verification, with results expected in the coming days. Based on the findings, the Speaker could refer the case to a parliamentary committee for recommended action.
Birla mentioned that the privilege committee or the ethics committee would handle the case, or a special committee could be formed. He stated, “We will act on the recommendation of the committee. Everyone will have to maintain decorum in the House. A member could even lose his membership.” The committee may suggest various actions, including expulsion.
In his complaint, Thakur stated: “A Member of Parliament belonging to the All India Trinamool Congress was seen openly using an electronic cigarette while seated in the House during the sittings.” He argued that the video clearly showed the MP vaping, constituting a serious violation of parliamentary conduct and a significant breach of statutory rules. He emphasized that the manufacture, import, and sale of e-cigarettes are banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vaping-video-row-there-will-be-action-against-those-who-violate-house-decorum-says-om-birla-10469974/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-13 04:52:00
