New Delhi, May 18 (H.S.):

Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP and General Secretary (Communications) of the Indian National Congress, has submitted a notice of breach of privilege against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Rajya Sabha.

The notice was submitted to Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan under Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha.

In his notice, the Congress leader alleged that during a press conference held on May 15, the Education Minister refused to comment on the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee regarding the NEET-UG paper leak case and questioned the multi-party character of the committee.

According to Jairam Ramesh, the minister’s remarks undermined the dignity of Parliament and its committees.

The notice stated that parliamentary committees are considered an extension of Parliament and are often referred to as “mini Parliaments.” Therefore, any disrespectful or derogatory remarks directed at such committees may amount to contempt of the House.

Ramesh further alleged that the Education Minister deliberately attempted to diminish the prestige and credibility of the committee.

Calling the matter a serious breach of parliamentary privilege, the Congress MP urged the Chairman to initiate privilege proceedings against Dharmendra Pradhan.

Notably, opposition parties have been consistently attacking the Central Government and the Ministry of Education in recent weeks over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar