Photo Source: ANI
It was within power of Speaker to adjourn March budget session instead of proroguing it but Speaker's powers cannot be misused : SC on Punjab's bill row
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, November 10, 2023: Along with acting tough on Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit for delay in the clearing bills, the Supreme Court also held that it was within the powers of the Speaker to adjourn the budget session convened in March 2023, instead of proroguing it, and calling back the session again in June
As reported by LiveLaw, bench also observed that the Speaker's powers to adjourn the session cannot be misused to keep the house in a suspended animation permanently.
"There has to be three sessions of the house in a year and one session cannot be allowed to be indefinitely extended," the court said.
As per report, Senior Advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi assured the apex court on behalf of the State that the Chief Minister would be advising the speaker to convene the winter session of the state legislative assembly at an early date.
"We are of the view that the Governor of Punjab must now proceed to take decisions on bills submitted for assent that were passed by the House on June 19-20, 2023, which were constitutionally valid," the court said.
However, the court clarified that it has not expressed an opinion on the constitutional exercise of the governor.
The court also pulled up the Punjab Governor for casting doubt on the validity of the session of the House. The legislative assembly comprises duly elected members of the legislature, the court said.
SC remarked that what the government is doing in Punjab is also defeating the Constitution. SC said we are not happy with the governor as well.
SC remarked that what is happening in Punjab is a matter of serious concern. SC noted that not passing the bill and saying that the session is invalid is like playing with fire.
Also Read: "You're playing with fire" -Supreme Court slams Punjab Governor for not clearing bills passed by elected govt
Also Read: Supreme Court declares June session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha constitutionally valid, asks Governor to decide on bills