Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said he was striving to ensure all parties are represented in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill seeking the removal of a Prime Minister, chief ministers and ministers under arrest for 30 days straight on serious charges.
Addressing a press conference, the Lok Sabha Speaker said parliamentary panels should not be viewed through the prism of politics, as these committees discuss issues rising above political lines. “We are making efforts to ensure all political parties are represented in the committee,” Birla told reporters. The panel is expected to be constituted soon.
Several Opposition parties, such as the Congress and Trinamool Congress, have decided not to be part of the Joint Committee of Parliament to examine the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill. This Constitution Amendment Bill and two other proposed legislations were introduced on the last day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on August 20. A motion was adopted by the Lok Sabha to refer the three bills to a joint committee of Parliament.
Breaking ranks with other Opposition parties, NCP-SP has decided to be part of the 31-member Committee. YRSCP, too, is expected to be a part of it.
“These committees are like mini-parliament as members discuss issues rising above political lines. These should not be viewed from the prism of politics; we are trying to ensure participation of all political parties,” Birla told reporters when questioned on the delay in setting up the panel.
The Lok Sabha Speaker is in Kohima to preside over the 22nd annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone III Conference.
Opposition leaders argue that the Bills violate the fundamental principle of law of a person being innocent until proven guilty and resort to automatic sacking of the Prime Minister, chief ministers and ministers if they fail to get bail within a month of arrest in serious criminal matters.
The Government contends that the draft law was necessary as Arvind Kejriwal refused to quit as Delhi Chief Minister despite his arrest in a criminal case.
Planned disruptions not good for democracy: LS Speaker
Kohima: Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said planned disruptions of House proceedings do not rank among good practices of a democracy.
The Winter Session of Parliament is set to be held from December 1 to 19 and will have 15 sittings. The Opposition has attacked the Government over the “short” duration of the session. The Monsoon Session of Parliament was a virtual washout with Opposition stalling House proceedings over the issue of special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Asked about the shorter duration of the session, Birla said convening a session of Parliament was the prerogative of the Government, and the duration depends on the official agenda.
“The Government decides the duration of the session depending on the business it plans to transact. It will be our endeavour to discuss with all political parties to ensure smooth functioning of the House,” he said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker pointed out that Parliament is the forum to raise issues of public concern and political parties should make effective use of it instead of resorting to disruptions.
“The session is a time for discussion, exchange of views, raising people-centric issues and voice their expectations and aspirations,” Birla said, adding, “We expect that all political parties will raise issues inside the House, not outside.”