Rameshwar Sharma, a former Protem Speaker and BJP MLA, backed the decision, arguing that The Assembly should be used for genuine work rather than showmanship.
MP Assembly protest ban explained: Learn why Madhya Pradesh has prohibited protests and slogans in the state assembly under Standing Order 94(2), citing security and decorum concerns, and why the opposition calls it undemocratic.
Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar’s recent order prohibiting protests and slogans within the legislature complex has sparked a new controversy ahead of Monday’s Madhya Pradesh Assembly meeting.
Standing Order 94(2), which issued the instruction, forbids the use of signs, masks, props, gestures, and other symbolic forms of protest.
The Assembly Secretariat claims that the action is intended to preserve decorum and allow for continued operations.
Congress, the opposing party, has vehemently disagreed, referring to the directive as “authoritarian.”
Democracy is being murdered by this. In a post on X, Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar stated, “The government is not allowing protests or live broadcasting of the Assembly proceedings, and it has now outlawed the use of slogans.”
The reaction from the opposition has been harshly critical. The MP Assembly protest ban, according to Congress leaders Hemant Katare and Umang Singhar, is a “murder of democracy,” as it suppresses dissent and limits lawmakers’ powers under Article 194 of the Constitution, which permits MLAs to speak on issues of public concern.
Why Is This Assembly Ban?
Members of Congress have protested dramatically within the House during recent sessions.
These included donning black masks, putting on skeleton and snake costumes, brandishing gold block replicas, and chaining themselves in an effort to draw attention to problems including debt, unemployment, and corruption.
In a previous session, an MLA from the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) also fasted in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the complex.
Such protests will no longer be permitted under the new regulations.
According to Assembly Principal Secretary AP Singh, the standing instruction was published in a circular last week. He told news agency PTI, “The goal is to ensure meaningful debate in the House and maintain discipline without impeding participation.”
The declared justification is to preserve decorum and security while concentrating on constitutional discussions rather than theatrical dramatics. On July 10, the Secretariat released a circular telling MLAs to refrain from bringing unregistered individuals or symbolic objects into the complex. As a result, gallery passes and entries were restricted.
The Opposition Retaliates
The Constitution’s Article 194, which protects members’ rights to free speech and the expression of public concerns in the Assembly, was mentioned by Leader of the Opposition Singhar.
“Under pressure from the government, the Speaker is now attempting to silence lawmakers from bringing up people’s concerns, rather than encouraging transparency through live telecasting of proceedings,” Singhar stated.
Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar proposed a ban on MP Assembly protests before to the monsoon session, which began on July 28, 2025. All types of protests, slogan-shouting, sit-ins, symbolic demonstrations (such as masks, fake props, and horns), and media interactions are prohibited within the assembly grounds under Standing Order 94(2).
The reaction from the opposition has been harshly critical. The MP Assembly protest ban, according to Congress leaders Hemant Katare and Umang Singhar, is a “murder of democracy,” as it suppresses dissent and limits lawmakers’ powers under Article 194 of the Constitution, which permits MLAs to speak on issues of public concern.
- Protests, slogans, symbolic activities, sit-ins, media bites, props, and gatherings within the assembly grounds are all prohibited.
- Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar issued the ruling in accordance with Standing ruling 94(2).
- Date of issuance: July 10, in advance of the July 28, 2025, session.
- Why provided: Enhancing security, maintaining order, and guaranteeing important legislative business are some of the stated justifications.
- Opposition: The MP Assembly protest prohibition is viewed as stifling democratic expression and being dictatorial and unconstitutional.
