Vice President Emphasizes the Importance of Respectful Dialogue in Legislatures

Promoting Civil Discourse Among Diverse Opinions

On Friday, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the essential role of fostering respectful debates, discussions, and dialogues amidst diverse viewpoints, which he deemed a shared responsibility of presiding officers in legislatures worldwide.

Radhakrishnan made these remarks during a banquet held in honor of the speakers and presiding officers of Commonwealth nations' parliaments, coinciding with their 28th conference. He noted that the historic Constitution Hall, which has stood for over seventy-five years, symbolizes India's vibrant and flourishing parliamentary democracy.

He emphasized that this conference reflects a collective spirit of harmony and shared purpose that unites Commonwealth democracies. Radhakrishnan underscored the importance of advancing together through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, inspired by India's civilizational ethos.

While discussing the roles of parliamentary speakers and presiding constitutional officers, Radhakrishnan reiterated the need for facilitating respectful debates and discussions amidst diverse opinions as a primary and collective responsibility.

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha pointed out that despite the geographical, cultural, and historical differences among Commonwealth nations, they are bound by a shared commitment to parliamentary decorum and democratic principles and values.

He stated that presiding officers serve as the ultimate guardians of legislative dignity and the aspirational voices of the people, tasked with maintaining a careful balance between freedom of expression and orderly conduct within the sacred halls of democracy.