New Delhi: Amid reports of differences emerging among the members of the Parliamentary panel investigating AAP MP Bhagwant Mann’s controversial video of the Parliament House complex over the quantum of punishment to be given to him, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday gave one more week’s time to the panel, while asking the MP not to attend the House till a decision is taken in the matter.
The nine-member panel, chaired by Bharatiya Janata Party member Kirit Somaiya, has now been granted time till December 9 to submit its report. The inquiry committee was to submit its report on Friday.
The extension had to be given as some members of the panel apparently are averse to taking any punitive action against Mr Bhagwant Mann, as he has not been attending the House on the orders of the Speaker, since the incident.
While there was unanimity on security aspects recommended by the panel, there were differences on the punishment to be handed down to him. Though he has been found guilty, some suggested that he be suspended for a day, while a few others said the suspension should be for a greater period.
The committee had met earlier this week to finalise a draft report after Mr Mann tendered an unconditional apology and withdrew his remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be also summoned for inviting ISI officials to Pathankot airbase after a terror attack there.
Others said since he has not been attending the House on the directions of the Speaker for a long time, he should not be punished.
Meanwhile Ms Mahajan said on Friday that the decision has been taken after receiving a request from the panel’s chairman seeking extension.
“I have acceded to the request for extension of one more week time and the committee may present their report by Friday, December 9, 2016,” she said.
In view of the seriousness of the matter, Mr Mann is further advised not to attend the House till a decision is taken in the matter, the Speaker added.
The committee was set up on July 25, a week after Mr Mann had put out in the social media a video of his vehicle passing security barricades and entering the Parliament complex. He had also videographed a room where Parliament questions were being sorted.
