The Delhi government on Wednesday turned down lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung’s suggestion that it reconsider its decision to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill at a special session in an open stadium. The session will be held on Thursday. Jan Lokpal and Swaraj Bills are likely to be tabled in the session.
Citing reservations expressed by Delhi police in providing security, Jung asked chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to reconsider the government’s 3 February decision to hold a special session of the Delhi assembly in the open to pass the bill. However, the government reiterated its stand, arguing that ‘democracy must not be confined within four walls’ and also questioned Delhi police.
‘The cabinet reconsidered the matter and decided to reiterate its earlier decision to the lieutenant governor, since it is of the unanimous opinion that such a crucial anti-corruption legislation needs to be taken to the people directly,’ said an official statement.
‘The cabinet requested the Lt. Governor to apprise Delhi police of its view that this force has been providing protection for much larger sports, commercial and entertainment events.
‘Therefore the cabinet sees no reason why police should be reluctant to manage a single-day session which will last only for a few hours,’ it added.
Aam Aadmi Party is going ahead with tabling of the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi assembly on Thursday without Centre’s concurrence, which Congress and BJP hold as ‘unconstitutional’.
Sources in the government said the Bill will be tabled in the House on Thursday and there will be no rethinking on its tabling even if Law Ministry opines that prior central clearance was required.
Citing reservations expressed by Delhi police in providing security, Jung asked chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to reconsider the government’s 3 February decision to hold a special session of the Delhi assembly in the open to pass the bill. However, the government reiterated its stand, arguing that ‘democracy must not be confined within four walls’ and also questioned Delhi police.
‘The cabinet reconsidered the matter and decided to reiterate its earlier decision to the lieutenant governor, since it is of the unanimous opinion that such a crucial anti-corruption legislation needs to be taken to the people directly,’ said an official statement.
‘The cabinet requested the Lt. Governor to apprise Delhi police of its view that this force has been providing protection for much larger sports, commercial and entertainment events.
‘Therefore the cabinet sees no reason why police should be reluctant to manage a single-day session which will last only for a few hours,’ it added.
Aam Aadmi Party is going ahead with tabling of the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi assembly on Thursday without Centre’s concurrence, which Congress and BJP hold as ‘unconstitutional’.
Sources in the government said the Bill will be tabled in the House on Thursday and there will be no rethinking on its tabling even if Law Ministry opines that prior central clearance was required.