LUCKNOW, Dec. 17 -- Emphasising the importance of the Committee on Privileges of the Legislative Assembly in a democratic set-up, Uttar Pradesh assembly speaker Satish Mahana on Tuesday said it was a powerful instrument for protecting the dignity, rights and decorum of the legislature. Addressing the inaugural meeting of the committee, Mahana said it should discharge its duties with complete constitutional propriety to avoid any misunderstanding or unnecessary controversy. "There is no objection to the committee's functioning, but it is essential that all elected representatives and parties concerned exercise their rights within defined limits. In a democracy, responsibilities are as important as rights. Any institution or individual should refrain from using language or engaging in conduct that could cast doubt on the prestige of the House," he said. "Our primary responsibility is to live up to the expectations with which people have elected us. The purpose of the privileges committee is not to punish, but to uphold the dignity of the system and strengthen democratic values," he added. htc...