Opposition stalls LS question hour, forces adjournment

New Delhi, May 19 : The Opposition in the Lok Sabha today stalled the question hour for 30 minutes and forced an adjournment, protesting against a High Court order to continue the demolition and sealing drive against illegal constructions in Delhi despite a Bill passed by both Houses of Parliament.

Responding to members' concern over the ''contempt of Parliament'' by the judiciary, Leader of the House and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government was taking all remedial measures available with it to ''retrieve'' the situation and halt the demolition and sealing drive.

Virtually endorsing the sentiments of the members, including those of Prof V K Malhotra (BJP), Mr Prabhunath Singh (JD-U) and Mr Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI), Mr Mukherjee said though Parliament had passed a law it was yet to be assented to by the President before coming into force.

However, he assured the House the government was taking some steps and he would come back to the House later in the day to inform the members of the day's development.

However, Prof Malhotra and other Opposition members were on their feet demanding that the drive, which was on today as well, be stopped immediately.

Sensing the mood of the members, Deputy Speaker Charnjit Singh Atwal adjourned the House for 15 minutes till 1145 hrs.

UNI