The Case of “Unparliamentary Words” in the Indian Parliament

The Lok Sabha Secretariat released a compilation booklet listing out words considered unfit for use in the Parliament. This act was carried out ahead of their Monsoon session which begins from the 18th of July, following which certain words deemed “unparliamentary” will not be permitted for use in both houses of the Parliament.

What is the nature of these “Unparliamentary” words?

The compilation booklet consists of references to certain words and expressions that were declared “unparliamentary” by both houses of the Parliament and state legislatures in 2021 along with those words that were not allowed for use in Commonwealth Parliaments in the year 2020.

However, the list also contains words or expressions that may not necessarily appear 

“Unparliamentary” unless it is read in conjunction with other words or expressions spoken during the sessions of the parliament.

Certain expressions that may be considered derogatory to the Chair of both houses in both English and Hindi are also considered “unparliamentary”.

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha Speaker filter through the words spoken during these sessions of their respective houses and the ones considered “unparliamentary” are expunged from the Parliament records by the Chair. 

Words and Expressions in English considered “Unparliamentary” in both Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures in India, and some Commonwealth Parliaments (in brief)

 

  • WORDS

 

  • Ashamed
  • Anarchy
  • Anti National
  • Arrogant
  • Bloodshed
  • Chamcha
  • Chamchagiri
  • Chhokra
  • Corrupt
  • Criminal
  • Crocodile Tears
  • Covid spreader
  • Derogatory
  • Drama
  • Fake
  • False
  • Fraud 
  • Gaslighting
  • Gundas
  • Hypocrite
  • Hooliganism
  • Illegally
  • Irresponsible
  • Liar
  • Looting
  • Mafia
  • Mate
  • Mislead
  • Murder
  • Negligence
  • Pedophile
  • Partisan
  • Prostitute
  • Psychiatrist
  • Rape
  • Rascal
  • Rowdy
  • Saleswoman
  • Scoundrel
  • Shame
  • Suck
  • Snoopgate
  • Traitor
  • Treacherous
  • Untrue
  • Wicked
  • Witch
  • Worst

 

 

  • ASPERSIONS ON THE CHAIR

 

  • …Don’t bring disrespect to the Chair…
  • …You have double standards…
  • …Sir, why are you trying to gag my mouth?
  • Don’t try to gag my mouth…
  • …I curse you…
  • …You have to be fair…

Words and Expressions in Hindi are considered “Unparliamentary” in both Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures in India, and some Commonwealth Parliaments (in brief)

 

  • ASPERSIONS ON THE CHAIR

 

  • …Aap mera samay kharab kar rahi hai..
  • …Jab aap aasan par baith ti hai, tab yahan problem hoti hai…
  • ….Mai aap sab se yeh kehna chahti hoon ki aap kiske aage been baja rahe hai?…
  • …Aap hum logo ka galah ghot dijiye…

 

  • WORDS

 

  • Anpadh 
  • Apmaan 
  • Ahankaar 
  • Katal 
  • Kamina 
  • Kaan pakadna
  • Kaala din
  • Khalistani
  • Gadha
  • Gaddaar
  • Ganja pina
  • Girgit
  • Gobar
  • Ghaas chheelna
  • Charas pina
  • Chaatna
  • Chandala
  • Chir haran
  • Chor
  • Jhooth
  • Talve chaatna
  • Taanashaahi
  • Danga
  • Dalaal
  • Dadagiri
  • Dhokha
  • Nanga
  • Naatak
  • Patli kamar
  • Pagal
  • Paap
  • Balatkar
  • Besharam
  • Bheekh
  • Saanp
  • Saala
  • Hatya
  • Behri sarkar
  • Pitthu
  • Vishwasghat

This move by the Secretariat garnered strong criticism from the opposition who called it a “gag order”. For the opposition, these terms display the “reality” of the current government, as the banning of words and expressions acts against the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech.

However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla claimed that no words were banned as governments cannot ban words in Parliaments and Assemblies because every individual has the right to free speech and expression.

Despite this move bringing out a slew of protests over the issue of Freedom of Speech and Democracy, this rule will be implemented regardless. 

 

-An article by Shreya Raolji

Vibhuti Pathak

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