Himachal Assembly bars outsiders, Former MLAs from holding media briefings on premises
Shimla, Aug 20,
The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued a strict directive prohibiting outsiders and former legislators from conducting press conferences or interacting with the media within the Vidhan Sabha complex.
The order, issued under the instructions of Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania in accordance with Rule 140(e) of the Assembly Rules, specifies that only current sitting members of the House are authorized to address media personnel inside the Assembly premises. The notice stated, “No outsiders or Ex-Members will hold any press conference or talk to the media inside the Vidhan Sabha precincts. All media representatives (Print/Electronic/Web) are informed that they will not participate in any press conference or conversation inside the Vidhan Sabha premises.”
The move comes after BJP legislator Randhir Sharma raised a point of order during the House proceedings, alleging that a Congress leader from the Seraj constituency had held a press briefing in violation of Assembly norms. Sharma urged the Speaker to clarify whether non-members could use the premises for political statements or media interactions.
Responding, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania assured members that a formal ruling on the matter would be issued. However, the Secretariat quickly circulated the notice, effectively banning any media interactions by former legislators or outsiders.
The decision has drawn support from several members of the House, who have previously expressed concerns over increasing media briefings and political gatherings by non-members within the Assembly complex. Media representatives covering the Vidhan Sabha have been directed to strictly follow the new guidelines.
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