The Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday defused a situation that could have ended up pitting the legislature against the judiciary.
During a meeting with Naidu at his residence, floor leaders of various parties and groups, ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, expressed concerns over recent comments made by the Supreme Court on the functioning of the Parliament and other legislatures and the manner of law making by them.
To avoid friction with the judiciary, Naidu tactfully asked members of the Upper House to "counter such comments by other constitutional entities by ensuring proper functioning of the legislature through dignity and decorum."
On August 15, the day when India stepped into the 75th year of Independence, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana complained about lack of debate in Parliament, and in the state assemblies, while laws are enacted. He called the current situation "a sorry state of affairs".
The leaders who raised the issue had contended that "it is for the Presiding Officers to take appropriate action if the norms of functioning are being violated in the legislatures of the country and other constitutional agencies should not comment adversely."
In response to the MPs, Naidu said " I can understand your concerns. But such comments should be viewed in the context of the functioning of legislatures marked by persistent disruptions which have deleterious effects. The best way to counter them is to ensure the proper functioning of the legislatures by ensuring their dignity and decorum, since such comments are finding resonance with the public from what they see about the functioning of the legislatures".
About 40 leaders of various parties and ministers attended the meeting. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi briefed the leaders about the government's legislative agenda lined up for the session.
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu chairs a meeting of floor leaders of all parties, a day before the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Sunday, November 28, 2021. (PTI Photo)
"There were many constructive suggestions. And under the rules, the government is ready to discuss any issue once permitted by the chairs," Joshi said.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjuna Kharge and leaders of other parties indicated the issues to be taken up during the winter session.
" The government must make a law for MSPs. All people who died during the pandemic, as per our figures, must get 5 lakh each. Farmers who died during the protests must also be provided relief," Kharge said.
Leaders of some parties expressed concern over the course of events during the last monsoon session, when 70 per cent of the functional time of the House was lost due to persistent disruptions.
Many leaders stressed that they are in favour of a smooth functioning of the House and called for a productive winter session ensuring the events of the last session are not repeated.
Naidu urged the government and leaders of Opposition to regularly talk to each other to enable an effective functioning of the House. He appealed to all sections to cooperate in ensuring a productive winter session.
(With inputs from agencies)