Secret Sitting of the Parliament

Why is in news? Opposition reminds govt. of Nehru’s stand during 1962 war - The then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had rejected outrightly the idea of holding a secret session at that time

Secret Sitting – Article 248 - (1) On a request made by the Leader of the House, the Speaker shall fix a day or part thereof for sitting of the House in secret.

(2) When the House sits in secret no stranger shall be permitted to be present in the Chamber, Lobby or Galleries: Provided that members of the Council may be present in their Gallery: Provided further that persons authorised by the Speaker may be present in the Chamber, Lobby or Galleries.

Report of the proceeding – Article 249 - The Speaker may cause a report of the proceedings of a secret sitting to be issued in such manner as the Speaker thinks fit, but no other person present shall keep a note or record of any proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting, whether in part or full, or issue any report of, or purport to describe, such proceedings.

Procedure in other respects – Article 250 - The procedure in all other respects in connection with a secret sitting shall be in accordance with such directions as the Speaker may give.

Lifting of ban on publication of proceedings – Article 251 - (1) When it is considered that the necessity for maintaining secrecy in regard to the proceedings of a secret sitting has ceased to exist and subject to the consent of the Speaker, the Leader of the House or any member so authorized may move a motion that the proceedings in the House during a secret sitting be no longer treated as secret.

(2) On adoption by the House of the motion under sub-rule (1), the Secretary-General shall cause to be prepared a report of the proceedings of the secret sitting, and shall, as soon as practicable, publish it in such form and manner as the Speaker may direct.

Disclosure of proceedings or decisions – Article 252 - Subject to the provisions of rule 251, disclosure of proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting by any person in any manner shall be treated as a gross breach of privilege of the House.