Amidst the ongoing battle of words between the Punjab government and Governor Banwarilal Purohit.
The governor reminded Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of his obligations and claimed that his “legal advisers did not brief him adequately” in response to the AAP government’s new attack demanding the information about the legislative business to call a special Assembly session.
Furthermore, the Governor’s request for a list of the legislative items to be covered in the proposed Assembly session on September 27, sparked a heated response from chief minister Bhagwant Mann, who said it was “too much”. Moreover, the conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the Aam Aadmi Party government of Punjab, reached its peak.
Additionally, the Punjab Governor cited Articles 167 and 168, which declare that “it is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to give information to the Governor.” He further added, “I’ve read your statement in the media, it seems that you (CM Mann) may be very angry with me. I believe your legal advisors may not be briefing you properly.
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However, after reading the provisions of Articles 167 and 168 of the Constitution, your opinion will unquestionably change.”
However, the government softened its stand by informing the governor that the issues like stubble burning, the GST, and electricity supply will be discussed.
“In addition, business on various issues as per notices received from members may also be taken up during the session as per relevant provisions of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha,” the government stated in a communication to the Raj Bhavan through the Vidhan Sabha Secretary.
Articles 167 and 168 – All You Need To Know!
As per the constitution, Article 167 states:
Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor, etc It shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each State-
(a) to communicate to the Governor of the State all decisions of the council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation;
(b) to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation as the Governor may call for; and
(c) if the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council CHAPTER III THE STATE LEGISLATURE General
While, article 168 states that:
Constitution of Legislatures in States
(1) For every State there shall be a Legislature which shall consist of the Governor, and
(a) in the States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and
Uttar Pradesh, two houses:
(b) in other States, one House
(2) Where there are two Houses of the Legislature of a State, one shall be known as the Legislative Council and the other as the Legislative Assembly, and where there is only one House, it shall be known as the Legislative Assembly
Meanwhile, with the Governor citing both these articles, it seems that the Punjab government is on backfoot now.
