Officials misbehaving with MLAs: CM announces probe

A day after some legislators accused government officials of insulting or misbehaving with them, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today announced a probe.

Saying that such misbehaviour would not be tolerated, Fadnavis told the Legislative Assembly that the director general of police has been asked to conduct enquiry in all these complaints.

The chief minister also announced formation of two committees, comprising MLAs from both the ruling benches and and Opposition.

One of the committees, to be set up by the Speaker, would look into minor complaints of MLAs. The other committee would suggest amendments to section 353 of the IPC ('assault to deter public servant from his duty') within three months, he said.

 

The offence under section 353 attracts imprisonment upto two years. During the discussion on the issue yesterday, several MLAs had said that officials -- whom the section seeks to protect -- sometimes misuse the provision.

Seven legislators, including two from the Shiv Sena, a ruling ally, yesterday alleged that they were ill-treated and insulted by government officials in separate incidents.

Among them, NCP leader and former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal said a police sub-inspector in Ahmednagar district abused him in his absence. The Speaker yesterday ordered the police official's suspension.

"I would like to send out a clear message to the administration that people's representatives must be respected. Their insult will not be tolerated," Fadnavis said in the House today.

"I have asked the DGP to conduct inquiry into all the complaints made yesterday and take action against guilty in 15 days. The report will be sent to the complainants," he added.

Officials should take public representatives into confidence which will make officials' work easier, the chief minister said.

The representatives work as a "buffer" between people and officers, he said.

While several MLAs pressed for immediate suspension of the officials against whom complaints have been made, Fadnavis said the due process of law must be followed before taking any action.