Parliamentary rules do not prohibit members from quoting books, newspapers, or other publications during House proceedings, but such references require prior notice and the Speaker’s permission, government sources said on Monday. The clarification came amid a heated Lok Sabha confrontation involving Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his attempt to quote from an unpublished book.

The row erupted after Rahul Gandhi referred to excerpts from a book by former Army chief General MM Naravane, which reportedly contains remarks on the 2020 India-China military standoff in Ladakh. As Gandhi began citing the material, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh objected, asserting that quoting from an unpublished book violated parliamentary norms. Home Minister Amit Shah also questioned the propriety of referring to material that had not yet been released.

Government sources explained that while parliamentary procedure allows members to quote from published material, the same cannot be extended to unpublished works. Former Rajya Sabha Secretary General VK Agnihotri told NDTV that excerpts from published books or reports may be cited with the Chair’s approval, provided prior notice is given, but unpublished material falls outside this accepted practice.

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Officials also pointed to Lok Sabha Rule 349(i), which restricts members from reading books, newspapers, or letters during sittings unless it is directly connected to House business. When excerpts are permitted, members may be asked to verify the accuracy of the information being cited. Sources said violations of these rules are treated seriously and, in extreme cases, could lead to proceedings before the Privileges Committee.

According to sources, the government’s objection in this instance was specific to the unpublished status of the book Rahul Gandhi sought to quote. They noted that there have been several past instances where MPs have quoted books, letters, and media reports after following due procedure and obtaining permission from the Chair.

The confrontation led to repeated interruptions and sharp exchanges in the House, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav briefly supporting Gandhi. Despite Gandhi maintaining that the material he cited was “100% authentic,” the impasse forced Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the Lok Sabha, first temporarily and later for the rest of the day.

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