Reserved subjects: LG has killed democracy, says Goel

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 25

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel has written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan alleging that the power of legislation is being encroached upon by the Lt Governor, Anil Baijal, who has “killed” democracy with his order.

Noting that he is also exploring legal option on the issue, Goel in his letter to Mahajan has demanded that the LG’s communication be withdrawn immediately.

Last month, the Ministry of Law advised the LG office to communicate to the Speaker that he should not admit questions related to reserved subjects such as public order, police, services and land, with the departments concerned refusing to answer questions on this ground.

“I have written to the Lok Sabha Speaker complaining about LG’s order to Assembly Secretariat that the Assembly Speaker cannot admit questions on reserved subjects. In the letter, I have told the Lok Sabha Speaker that the LG has killed democracy by issuing this order,” Goel said.

Goel also sought to know why legislators cannot ask questions on reserved subjects.

“Can an MLA not ask a question in the Assembly if there is a rape of a girl? Also, a person can ask a question (on reserved subjects) through RTI, but legislators are denied the same,” the Assembly Speaker said.

During the Budget Session of the Assembly, Goel, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, cabinet ministers and AAP MLAs wore black bands in protest against the Centre’s move.

Goel had said the Central Government has “insulted” the Assembly with the directive.

Informing the House on March 28, Goel said out of 40 questions, the House has not received answers of 17 questions as the departments concerned have denied answering on “reserved subject”.

“It is unfortunate that the law ministry has issued such directions. It is a very dangerous incident in the history of Independent India. The Centre’s move is highly condemnable... I want to sit with black band as mark of protest,” Goel said.