Panaji, Aug 4 - The media came in for criticism from Goa Speaker Pratapsing Rane Tuesday after a newspaper carried a bylined article likening assembly proceedings to a 'comedy show'.

'The members in this house have complete freedom when it comes to expressing their thoughts. The writer owes an apology or I will have to refer to the committee of privileges. I can even haul him here,' Rane said.

The speaker was referring to a guest article by Samir Kelekar that appeared in Tuesday's edition of the Herald, a local English daily, that was critical of legislators. 'Goan politicians surely have very thick skins.

'For instance, this assembly session has almost been like a comedy show, and one would have laughed heartily if not for the tragic state of Goa,' the article said.