Controversy Erupts Over DM’s Alleged Disrespect Towards Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla; Lok Sabha Secretariat Sends Formal Letter
New Delhi, July 2, 2025 – The Political Observer
A controversy has erupted over the behavior of District Magistrate Savin Bansal during Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s recent visit to Mussoorie. Allegations suggest that the DM did not extend the necessary cooperation to the Speaker during the visit, nor did he provide essential information when requested. The issue has now escalated, prompting the Lok Sabha Secretariat to intervene and the Uttarakhand government to demand an immediate explanation from the officer.
What Sparked the Dispute?
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Protocol Department, issued a letter to the DM following reports that standard protocols were not observed during Speaker Birla’s tour. The letter states that not only was the required cooperation denied, but the DM also failed to show due respect to the constitutional office of the Speaker. These serious allegations have led to a formal request for clarification from the DM, and his response is currently awaited.
What Did the DM Allegedly Violate?
According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, multiple attempts were made to contact the DM over the phone during the visit, but none of the calls were received. It was only after the Speaker’s office escalated the matter to the Chief Minister’s Office that the DM finally returned a call. Despite this, the DM has yet to publicly issue a detailed explanation, stating only that “discussions have already taken place” and refusing to comment further.
A Pattern of Disregard for Protocol?
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over the conduct of bureaucrats during visits by constitutional dignitaries. Earlier, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had also expressed displeasure over the failure of local officials to follow protocol during his visit to Maharashtra. These repeated instances have sparked wider discussions over administrative accountability and respect for high offices.
