IMPHAL, Jul 26: The publication of a press statement of the Manipur Secretariat Service Employees Association in leading local dailies, highlighting total opposition to the suggestions made by MLA, I Hemochandra during the Zero Hour of the Assembly session on July 21 was referred to the Privilege Committee for further examination today.

The matter came up in the House today after permission from the Speaker.

MLA Hemochandra, as the mover drew the attention of the House over the subsequent publication of a news item by the secretariat service association today reacting strongly to comments made in the house by the MLA during Zero Hour on July 21 in which the MLA categorically mentioned the failure to maintain office timing by the staffs and officials concerned of a department while he made an official visit to seek some important information related to the ongoing Assembly session.
MLA, I Hemochandra, after learning of the counter objection made by the MSSEA which was carried in a leading local daily today, said the challenge and criticism by the association amounted to breach of privilege and contempt of the procedure of the House.

In the meantime, while supplementing the motion raised by MLA, I Hemochandra, senior Opposition minister O Joy stood up and drew the attention of the Speaker to take the issue as privilege motion. Meanwhile, the Speaker, while considering the comments made by the members of the House and after taking consensus of the House decided to hand over the matter to the Privilege Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly for further action.