Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla orders probe into security lapse in House

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident of two persons jumping into the house chamber from the public gallery with smoke canisters.

Birla lauded the Lok Sabha members, security personnel, chamber staff, and marshals for rising to the occasion and capturing the perpetrators.

He said in 2001 too central paramilitary forces and other security had made collective efforts and prevented a terror attack on Parliament.

"The incident is a matter of concern and we are carrying out a high-level inquiry into this incident. The future course of action will be decided as per the findings of the probe," Birla said when the House re-assembled at 4 pm.

He said a comprehensive review will be carried out of the existing security system in Parliament.

"This has also been sought by members of parliament. What all improvement can be done in the security measure will be assessed after discussing it matter with members," Birla said.

"The security will be further strengthened in consultations with the members, I will be discussing the matter with leaders of all political parties," the Speaker said. He adjourned the proceedings for the day around 4 pm.

Earlier, when the Lok Sabha re-assembled at 2 pm, members sought permission to speak on the security lapse.

Birla said it will not be right to discuss the issue in the House.

The Speaker said the Lok Sabha is conducting a probe into the incident and the Delhi Police has also been instructed to carry out an investigation.

"The incident which happened during Zero Hour, Lok Sabha at its own level is investigating it and Delhi Police has been given the necessary directions. We were concerned about the smoke... preliminary probe has revealed it was ordinary and aimed at creating sensationalism," Birla said.

When some members mentioned a recent threat to attack Parliament by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Birla said, "What you are referring to, it is not that matter as per the preliminary probe."

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned how the incident happened.

"Today morning, we paid tributes to martyrs who protected Parliament during the attack of 2001. Coincidentally today this attack happened. How did this incident happen? Did we not take the measures we should have taken? MPs were fearless and grabbed him," the Congress leader said.

Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay raised a concern over the high number of visitors in Parliament.

"We should be more cautious. Hundreds of people gather at the entry gate. When we MPs enter it becomes very difficult. These people stay from 11 am to 6 pm, taking photographs, selfies, and no one can guess who is an MP who is not," Bandyopadhyay said.

Speaker Birla said, "I understand your concerns. It is not right to discuss an issue like this in open House. We will take your suggestions on what can be done.

"We will accept all suggestions and also implement them. It is a shared concern. What cautions have to be taken while giving passes...," the Speaker said.

He also said that the House will continue to function even in adverse situation.

"We are here to serve the nation. It is our responsibility to hold the sitting however difficult the circumstances are. House functioned after that incident, today also the House will run," the Speaker said.

The House then took up the Post Office Bill 2023 for discussion.