The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has issued an office memorandum regarding a joint notice of breach of privilege against Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde.
The notice was submitted to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha by MP Debashish Samantaray along with six other Members — Muzibulla Khan, Sulata Deo, Sasmit Patra, Subhashish Khuntia, Niranjan Bishi, and Manas Ranjan Mangaraj.
The MPs alleged that the Collector failed to extend an invitation to a Member of Parliament for the Netaji Jayanti programme held on January 23 at the Netaji Birth Place Museum in Cuttack. Vice-President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan attended the event as the chief guest.
Debashish Samantaray argued that not inviting him amounted to disrespect to parliamentary protocol and dignity. He formally complained to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, who directed the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) to examine the matter.
Meanwhile, the Cuttack Collector clarified that a formal invitation had indeed been sent to the MP via email. However, Samantaray countered that the invitation arrived late at night, lacked his name on the official card and banner, and was therefore inadequate.
The controversy has sparked debate over protocol adherence and respect for elected representatives. The privilege notice now places the matter under the scrutiny of the DoPT, which will determine further action.
