Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addresses a press conference at the Parliament Complex in New Delhi, on Monday.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday (January 12, 2026) said investigations were underway into a complaint alleging that a Trinamool Congress (TMC) member was “openly using” an e‑cigarette inside the House during proceedings. Punishment would be meted out strictly in accordance with parliamentary rules and procedures, Mr. Birla said.“No one has the right to undermine the dignity and sanctity of the Parliament,” Mr. Birla told reporters, adding that the rules do not permit smoking in the House. He was addressing a press conference ahead of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPO), to be hosted by Parliament. The conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to draw one of the largest gatherings in its history, Mr. Birla said. Published - January 12, 2026 04:25 pm IST
