India, Jan. 20 -- LUCKNOW UP governor Anandiben Patel on Monday described presiding officers of legislative bodies as "custodians of the soul of democracy", saying their impartiality, wisdom and sense of propriety enable legislatures to function as effective platforms for articulating public aspirations.

She underlined the need to uphold the dignity of legislatures, legislative propriety and constitutional values, stating that these were the foundations of India's parliamentary democracy.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 86th All-India Presiding Officers' Conference (AIPOC) and the 62nd Conference of Secretaries of Legislative Bodies, hosted by UP, the governor said such forums played a vital role in reinforcing democratic tradit...