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SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR (Ballia, U.P.) : Mr. Speaker, Sir, the manner in which a leading newspaper of Delhi has published certain disclosures about Tehalka episode is not only disgraceful but also against the dignity of the House. It is quite natural for the members to be worried about it. The same tactics were adopted in the Tehalka episode. Through newspapers and electronic media, people all over the world came to know about the corruption prevailing in our Defence Forces. Government constituted a commission in this regard and Defence Forces also constituted their own court. We have come to know through newspapers that they have taken further action also in this regard. When commission’s inquiry was on the verge of completion and some people were going to be punished, suddenly another tape was produced by the same people who had produced the Tehalka tape. The statements given in this tape are so objectionable that I think it is not proper to mention them in the House.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, information should not be biased, it should be neutral and independent. Right of information should be there but it does not mean that information should be collected with the use of immoral measures. It cannot be considered as the national duty to expose the information all over the world and to harm the dignity and prestige of the country, rather it should have been handed over to the Prime Minister; Defence Minister or senior officials first. I am sorry to say that yesterday, Akashvani has also broadcast the statement issued by the Tehalka spokesman. He has stated that they have done it in the interest of the country and will continue to do so. Some serious steps are required to be taken in this matter. I do not know whether there is any legal provision in this regard. As per my knowledge what they have done, is not covered under any rule or legal provision. I do not know what Government is doing. Government have become habitual of keeping mum and expressing its inability on every issue. I would not have raised this issue but I feel that this incident has degraded the reputation of our country and our forces and it has exposed our whole system. I would say that if there is no rule or law in this regard then the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs who is present here, should ask the Minister of Law to keep a check on such people. Cannot we tell these persons that Government is there to be worried about the country?

I also do not agree with the attitude of the Government. It appears that the Government had become crippled. I fail to understand the reasons due to which the Government remain silent even when remarks are passed against them. Mr. Speaker, Sir, such incidents have happened at several places and it concerns security of the country and the defence forces. Some Members were agitated due to yesterday’s happening and it was natural to react in this manner. I have an apprehension that if such incidents are not checked, then this agitation will not confine to the House only but it will spread among our defence forces. It will affect the Parliamentary system of Government.