Punjab Assembly Refers Privilege Case Against Congress MLA to Committee Amidst Uproar
The Punjab Legislative Assembly, on Thursday, passed a resolution by a majority vote to refer a breach of privilege case against Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira to the house privileges committee. The proceedings were marked by noisy scenes as the opposition pressed for a separate resolution against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over alleged remarks about women made during an International Women's Day event.
Resolution Moved by Finance Minister
The resolution was moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who cited recent statements and conduct by Khaira that the treasury benches deemed derogatory and in violation of the dignity of the House. Cheema explained that the call for disciplinary action stemmed from social media posts by Khaira on March 10, in which he referred to the speaker, ministers, and AAP MLAs as "bonded labourers." He argued that such language undermined the dignity of constitutionally elected representatives and belittled the mandate given by the people.
The matter escalated on March 11, 2026, when Khaira was allowed on the floor of the House to clarify his statements and apologize, but he refused to retract his remarks. The resolution also condemned physical gestures allegedly made by Khaira while leaving the House during a walkout, with Cheema describing the conduct as lacking parliamentary decorum.
Speaker's Remarks and Committee Referral
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of all members to maintain the dignity of the House. He observed that before arriving at any decision, it would be appropriate to refer the matter to the committee constituted by the house, which holds powers equivalent to the assembly. This committee will now investigate the allegations against Khaira.
Opposition Objections and Commotion
During the discussion, AAP MLA Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi criticized Khaira and the Congress party. He alleged that some members of the party had developed a habit of speaking against elected representatives and accused the party of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, claiming it conspired to defeat him in a Lok Sabha election. Congress members objected to these remarks, but the Speaker allowed Sukhi to continue, stating the reference was part of history, which led to commotion in the House.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and other Congress MLAs questioned under which party Sukhi, who resigned from the Shiromani Akali Dal in 2024 and whose formal status was under discussion, was speaking. The Speaker responded that he belonged to SAD. Bajwa also questioned why the Speaker allowed a resolution against Khaira but not the resolution moved by the Congress against the Chief Minister. Congress MLA Pargat Singh objected, arguing that if the treasury benches were permitted to move a resolution, the opposition should also be allowed to do so as per the rules.
Demand for Review of TET Imposition
In a separate development during zero hour, the issue of imposing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification on teachers recruited before 2011 was raised, with a demand for a review of the Supreme Court order mandating the requirement. AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Banawali raised the matter, stating that although the order was applicable across the country, the state government should consider filing a review petition. This would ensure that teachers appointed after fulfilling the recruitment criteria applicable at that time are not required to meet the TET condition retrospectively.
