Shimla, June 26
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, has issued a warning to the Leader of Opposition (LOP), Jairam Thakur, urging him not to compel the Speaker to initiate contempt proceedings against him for making public statements against the Chair.
Addressing a press conference following recent statements by Jairam Thakur and Assembly member Vikram Thakur, Speaker Pathania cautioned the BJP leaders against casting aspersions on the actions of the Speaker in the public domain. He emphasized that any grievances the LOP has with the Speaker’s role should be addressed within the Assembly.
Speaker Pathania defended his decision to disqualify six Congress MLAs under the Tenth Schedule, noting that the electorate vindicated his action by rejecting four of the six disqualified MLAs in subsequent elections. He also discussed the lawful handling of resignations submitted by three Independent MLAs, who joined the BJP before their resignations were accepted.
The Speaker highlighted a pending petition concerning the unruly behavior of nine BJP members, indicating that a decision would be made in due course. He reiterated that any member dissatisfied with his rulings is free to seek judicial review.
Speaker Pathania referenced the Supreme Court’s dismissal of an appeal by the six disqualified MLAs and the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s decision regarding the resignation of the three Independent MLAs. The High Court, in a split verdict, upheld the Speaker’s authority, with Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewel Sua affirming that the Speaker’s decisions within the House are beyond judicial intervention.
The Speaker underscored his impartiality and diligence in fulfilling his duties, pointing out the significant productivity of the Assembly during his tenure. He noted that ample opportunities have been provided to opposition and Independent MLAs to voice their concerns within the Assembly.
Concluding his address, Speaker Pathania warned the LOP and other members against dragging the Chair into political controversies, urging them to maintain a dignified political discourse. He cautioned that any further attempts to undermine the role of the Speaker could result in contempt proceedings.
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