After a stay by the Supreme Court, the UP Assembly deferred the hearing and punishment of journalists of a prominent national news channel in connection with the sting operation against minister Azam Khan.
The news channel had carried out a a sting operation against Azam Khan in September 2013 in the aftermath of the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and allegedly indicted Khan of being indirectly responsible for the flare-up.
Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey informed the House after Question Hour about the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the proceedings over the sting operation against the media house. The Speaker also announced that an all party meeting would decide on the future course of action.
However, except for the BJP, other leaders including leader of the Opposition Swami Prasad Maurya (BSP) while questioning the Apex court move, termed it as interference in the functioning of the state legislature which tantamnounts to insult of the House.
Maurya said, “It is a violation of the Constitution and the House should convey the sense to the Supreme Court.’’ He however added that the members have full respect for judiciary. Maurya pointed out that the channel had sought time till March 4 for appearing before the House but reneged on its words.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Azam Khan said that it was unfortunate that the judiciary has intervened in the function of the legislature.
“The intervention of the SC in the case is unfortunate and I would prefer to commit suicide or even killed my entire family if I am found guilty in the sting operation,” he said. Earlier, he had even threatened to resign from the ministry inside the House. Khan added that had he been guilty, there would have been no other way but to commit suicide or kill his family to escape the ordeal.
Congress leader Pradeep Mathur and Rashtriya lok Dal leader Dalbir Singh too supported Swami Prasad Maurya and urged the speaker to seek a legal opinion on the matter.
BJP leader Suresh Kumar Khanna disassociated himself from the statement made by Swami Prasad Maurya and urged the chair to take a legal advise before going for any further action.
later Azam Khan thanked the members for showing their support on his issue but said he was peeved over the BJP members going against the resolution.
The UP Assembly had given time till March 4 to the channel after it sought time in view of receiving the summon letter late and budget session of the Parliament on February 26 last.
Meanwhile, an all party meeting convened by Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey decided to place the relevant records before the Apex court and seek legal advice for further action.