The Hindu : National : Discussion on issue of Speaker's resignation sought

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Friday, Jul 22, 2005

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Discussion on issue of Speaker's resignation sought

Special Correspondent

Violates Constitution: Bihar Council chief

PATNA: Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council Jabir Hussain has in a letter to Speaker of the Lok Sabha Somnath Chatterjee, sought a discussion on the issue of the resignation of the Speaker of the Bihar Assembly in purported violation of the Constitution, at the coming presiding officers conference.

Prof. Hussain, who has circulated the letter among all presiding officers of State Assemblies and Councils, has expressed his concern over the manner in which the Bihar Assembly Speaker had resigned his post, flouting the spirit and provisions of the Constitution, particularly during President's Rule.

He feared that this action might set a precedent for further abuse in days to come if not corrected immediately.

In Prof. Hussain's opinion, the Speaker had exercised the provision of an Article that stood suspended with the invocation of Article 356 imposing Central rule in Bihar. According to him, the Speaker ceases to exercise his option of giving up his job under President's Rule and was required to continue in his post.

Recounting the turn of events right from the elections early in the year, the upper house chairman stressed that the Speaker was supposed to stay put till the first meeting of the new Assembly. The post of the Speaker at no time was to fall vacant.

Prof. Hussain has urged Mr. Chatterjee to include the point on the agenda for discussion at the conference of presiding officers for a conclusive decision to protect the Constitution.

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