Mumbai : The state assembly has dismissed the privilege motion against columnist Shobha De for her tweets against the state government’s decision to make it mandatory for multiplexes to screen Marathi films during the prime time slot.
An official from the state legislature said that the assembly Speaker decided to dismiss the motion as De’s comments seemed to be non-relevant to the proceedings of the House.
“The motion has no relevance as far as the privilege matter is concerned, as De’s remarks are not concerned with the proceedings of the House. Basically, a privilege is contempt [of House proceedings]. The criterion is that the matter should relate to the proceedings of the House,” the official said.
“De’s remarks are not at all concerned with the proceedings of the House. Taking into consideration the Constitutional position and norms of Parliamentary practices and procedures, the Speaker has rejected the motion,” he added.
Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik, who had move the motion through point of propriety in April this year, said that his party will continue to oppose those who insult the sentiments of Marathi speaking people.
He added that he will decide on the future course of action after reading the Speaker’s decision in detail.
The columnist had tweeted, “Devendra ‘Diktatwala’ Fadnavis is at it again!!! From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love! Nako!Nako! Yeh sab roko!”
De had also tweeted that it was nothing but hooliganism. “I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.”
