Capt Balbir Singh Bath, an Akali MLA, asked the Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Ranjit Singh Brahmpura if any inquiry was ordered by the Chief Minister into the incident of distribution of cheques for grants by unauthorised persons in Dera Baba Nanak sub-division; what were the findings and who was the inquiry officer.

In a written reply, Brahmpura said the inquiry was marked to Parkash Singh Lamhe, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Tarn Taran. According to the inquiry report, the cheques were distributed by block development and panchayat officer and no irregularity was found.

But on the floor of the House when a supplementary question was asked by Makhan Singh, a Congress MLA, the minister said, "The inquiry was done by a deputy director of his department." On this, Makhan said, "How can a deputy director conduct an inquiry against his minister?" Brahmpura retorted, "The inquiry was not against me."

At this point, Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon intervened. "This happened in my constituency and I agree with Makhan Singh. I told the CM to mark an inquiry. How can a subordinate

do an inquiry against his minister?" he said.

Then, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said, "The government officials conduct a fair inquiry and on merit." Brahmpura immediately got up and said, "Ever since this Budget session has started, the Speaker has given many supplementaries on questions regarding my department."

Perturbed, Kahlon asked Brahmpura to apologise otherwise a notice would be issued to him. "It is disgrace to the chair," he said. Taking a U-turn, the minister said, "I did not say anything wrong, but if it is being felt that I did, I apologise."

Leader of opposition Rajinder Kaur Bhattal said, "It is sad. We have full respect for the chair and support the Speaker. The minister should seek an apology for the way he has behaved with the chair."