ISLAMABAD: The Contempt of Parliament Bill 2023 was successfully passed in the National Assembly on Tuesday with a majority vote, marking a significant step towards holding individuals accountable for disrespecting the Parliament.
The bill was introduced last week by Qasim Noon, chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges.
During the parliamentary session, Qasim Noon raised concerns about the lack of supremacy of the parliament and stressed the importance of holding those who disrespect the lower house accountable. Following the clause-wise approval of the bill, it was subsequently passed with a majority vote.
The draft of the bill proposed a punishment ranging from two to six years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs one million for individuals found guilty of contempt.
Contempt of Parliament Bill 2023
Speaking in support of the bill, Rana Tanvir from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) highlighted the continuous insults directed towards the Parliament and emphasized the need for punishment in such cases. He described the bill as a crucial piece of legislation that had been long overdue.
The Contempt of Parliament Bill 2023 will apply to officials of the government, state institutions, as well as the general public. A parliamentary committee comprising 24 members, with equal representation from the ruling party and the opposition benches, will be responsible for investigating cases of contempt brought before it.
After reviewing the evidence, the committee will recommend an appropriate punishment, which will then be finalized by the leader of the relevant house.
The passage of the Contempt of Parliament Bill signifies the National Assembly’s commitment to upholding the sanctity and respect of the Parliament. By introducing penalties for acts of disrespect, the bill aims to ensure the maintenance of decorum and dignity within the parliamentary system.
