The Committee of Privileges (2023-2024) of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly held its First Sitting on the 5th of June, 2023 at 2:00 P.M in the Committee Room of Assembly Secretariat, Kohima under the Chairmanship of Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA.

The Committee of Privileges for the year 2023-2024 consists of the following: Moatoshi Longkumer; A. Pongshi Phom, Member; Y. Mankhao Konyak, Member; Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Member; T.N. Mannen, Member; Sethrongkyu, Member and Benei M. Lamthiu, Member.

            During the meeting, Moatoshi Longkumer, Chairman of the Committee of Privileges drew the attention of the Members to the power and functions of the Committee. He briefed them that the House of Legislatures and its Committees collectively and the Members individually enjoy certain rights, privileges, and immunities as enshrined in Article 194 of the Constitution of India. These privileges are being granted with the intention that Members discharge their functions without any hindrance and that all the Members should be aware of their privileges. He explained how important this Committee is for the Legislatures with its underlining object being to safeguard the freedom, authority, and the dignity of House and its Members. He enlightened the Members on the Question of privileges such as:-

(1) Breach of privilege: When any individual or authority disregards or attacks any of the privileges, rights, and immunities either of the Members individually or of the House in its collective capacity, the offense is called breach of privilege

(2) Contempt of House: Contempt of the House may be defined generally as "any act or omission which obstructs or impedes the House in the performance of its functions or which obstructs or impedes any member or officers of such House in the discharge of his/her duty, or which has a tendency, directly or indirectly, to produce such result" and the mandate of the 'Committee of Privileges' is to examine every question involving breach of privilege of the House or of the Members referred to it and determines with reference to the facts of the case whether a breach of Privilege is involved and if so, the nature of the breach, the circumstances leading to it and makes such recommendations as it may deem fit. The Committee of Privileges has the power to send for persons involved in the matter and call for any document concerning the question of privileges under consideration of the Committee and takes evidence of the witnesses after administering them the oath or affirmation in case where the facts are in dispute.

In his closing remark, the Chairman urged the Members of the Committee to give their full cooperation and to actively participate in the activities of the Committee as the House has bestowed upon them the trust to carry out the function of the Committee.

(DIPR)