Congress mulls privilege motion against CAG

• Congress is considering filing a breach of privilege petition against CAG's advice to members of parliament to not speak on the 2G spectrum allocation issue when the matter is being considered by a parliamentary committee. 
• According to UPA sources, the party is examining the contents of the January 12 press release issued by CAG in which it had cited Rule 1.12 of the Rules of Parliamentary Procedure saying that making comments on the matter which are being considered by a committee is highly improper. The statement said, "When any matter is under consideration of a parliamentary committee and the committee is holding its sittings for that purpose, no persons, including a Member of Parliament should make or publish a statement or comment about that matter". 
• Sources said the rules are being studied carefully to check whether a press release could be used as a basis of a breach of privilege petition against CAG. A Member of Parliament on condition of anonymity said, "A press release is considered a written public statement. No constitutional authority has a right to issue a gag order on Members of Parliament. This is infringement on the right of a member. So it is a breach of privilege. We are examining the rules and planning to file the petition." Amongst other aspects, the party is also considering where to file the breach of privilege petition.