00:51Lok Sabha Speaker’s innovative approach hailed by opposition MPs

NEW DELHI: In a significant remark during a discussion on a bill, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Thursday that Parliament should try to replace the laws of the British era with new ones.During introduction of the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2019, the Speaker said all Lok Sabha MPs should reconsider the old and archaic laws.Trinamool Congress MP from Serampore in West Bengal Kalyan Banerjee said that in that case, instead of replacing the pre-British laws, the government should consider replacing the later laws made by the Britishers such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC).Kalyan Banerjee said, “Several changes have taken place (since the Britishers framed laws). Therefore, new laws should be legislated.”Parliament session live updatesTo this, Om Birla said Parliament should try to replace the laws of the British era with new ones.The Speaker said, “I fully agree with you (Kalyan Banerjee). There is a need for Parliament to try and do away with British-era laws and make new ones.”The observation by Om Birla holds significance because of the several changes he has been trying to make in the manner in which the Lok Sabha functions.The Speaker has sought to bring about better discipline in the Lower House. He has also tried to ensure the Lok Sabha wastes as little time as possible.The Lok Sabha has witnessed minimum ruckus and adjournments ever since Om Birla took over as speaker in the ongoing Budget Session of 17th Lok Sabha.Om Birla has also ensured that he spends most of the time presiding over the proceedings of the hour instead of leaving it to the other presiding officers.He conducts the proceedings in chaste Hindi. Instead of the customary “ayes” and “noes” during the passage of bills, Om Birla says “haan paksh ki jeet huyi (the ayes have won)” and the likes.Read this story in Marathi