Throwing a hint that he will take his time to sign the lokayukta Amendment Act, Governor Ram Naik said that as it was not a money bill he will look at all legal provisions before signing the Bill.
“I know what transpired in the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday. I have seen that debate and heard leaders said. I am happy that political parties shared their views on the lokayukta Amendment Act and it was a healthy debate,” Naik told The Pioneer here on Thursday.
He said this was not money bill because Government needs Governor’s permission to bring a money bill. “As my permission was not taken I believe it was a normal bill and I am not bound to return it in 14 days.” He said.
“Once it comes for my consent I will take a legal opinion and then take a final call,” Naik said.
Government has brought an amendment bill re-constituting the panel for selection for lokaukta excluding Chief Justice of High Court from that elite group. Governor has returned the file recommending Justice (Retd) Ravinder Singh as new lokayukta four times in the past drawing ire from the Government.
When asked about Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan’s vitriolic comments against Governor, Naik said that almost six months back I had decided not to react to Azam Khan’s comments.
“I stick to my decision,” he said.