Ban on entry of four Mirabag protesters not lifted: Speaker

Porvorim: The speaker of assembly, Ganesh Gaonkar, on Monday announced the continuation of restrictions on the entry of those who protested in the gallery over the Mirabag Bandhara project.Gaonkar accepted the apology tendered by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.Before declaring the budget session sine die, Gaonkar said the House may recall the incident that occurred on March 6, when some people seated in the Visitors’ Gallery raised slogans and displayed posters.“The matter was viewed with utmost seriousness by the chair, as such acts within the precincts of the House have the potential to interfere with the orderly conduct of the business of the House and may amount to a breach of privilege and contempt of the House,” Gaonkar said.

Gaonkar said he held consultations with the chief minister, who is also the home minister, to examine the matter in its entirety and to ensure that an appropriate course of action is taken in the larger interest of preserving the dignity and decorum of this House while upholding democratic values.“To uphold the dignity and decorum of the House, the restriction on the entry of the said persons into the precincts of the assembly shall continue until further orders.”Gaonkar said he hoped that this decision would serve as a reminder that the sanctity and decorum of this House must always be respected.