Punjab Govt vs Governor: SC validates June Punjab Vidhan Sabha session; directs Governor Purohit to address pending Bills
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court, declaring the June session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha as constitutionally valid, has instructed Governor Banwarilal Purohit to make decisions on four pending Bills from the extended Budget Session.
The Supreme Court emphasised that casting doubt on the June session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha is not a constitutional option for the Governor and affirmed the Speaker's authority in adjournment. The Bills, including the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, await the Governor's assent, who previously deemed the June session "patently illegal."
The Supreme Curt court clarified that the Governor, as a titular head, acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, urging him to act as a constitutional statesman. While refraining from commenting on the Governor's constitutional authority, the apex court stated that he could proceed according to law, either granting or withholding assent or referring the Bills to the President.
During the proceedings, the court criticised the Governor for delaying action on the Assembly-passed Bills and warned against playing with fire. It stressed the importance of upholding the parliamentary democracy and expressed concern about the Governor's refusal to give assent based on the perceived irregularity of the session.
The court also disapproved of the Punjab Government's conduct, highlighting the need for proper prorogation of sessions. It questioned the government's adherence to constitutional principles and the merging of the Budget Session with the Winter Session.
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The court sought clarification on the Governor's constitutional recourse and the Speaker's power to adjourn the session sine die. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, intervening on behalf of the Centre, proposed finding a solution without contesting the matter. The court had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Governors sitting on Bills, urging proactive action before matters reached the Supreme Court.
The Bills that are awaiting approval
The Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, 2023.
- With inputs from our correspondent
