MP Lokayukt-Assembly clash: Ex-speaker defends Vidhan Sabha

Bhopal, Oct 26 (UNI) Former Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Yagyadutt Sharma has said the Lokayukt issuing a notice to two Vidhan Sabha officials and registering a case, over alleged irregularity in construction work in the Vidhan Sabha premises, constituted a challenge to the Speaker's rights.

''The Constitution is clear on the rights of the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. Therefore, the question of a clash or violation of jurisdiction simply does not arise,'' he told UNI over phone.

Pointing out that the Constitution sets down the Speaker's rights, Mr Sharma added that the Assembly officials were under the Speaker's control.

''In view of this, the issuance of the notice sans either consulting the Speaker or seeking his permission seems improper.

Work undertaken in the Vidhan Sabha and its premises is the Capital Project Administration's (CPA) responsibility and tenders are invited for it.

Speaker Ishwardas Rohani recently issued a breach of privilege notice to the Lokayukt in this regard. The latter responded with a 20-page reply to the Assembly Secretariat, which maintained that the reply was not properly drafted and gave the Lokayukt a fortnight to submit a proper reply.

The case was registered by the Lokayukt Special Police Establishment against the Assembly Secretary, Deputy Secretary, CPA Superintendent and a contractor following an alleged irregularity in road-laying and other work -- costing about Rs 2 crore -- undertaken in the Vidhan Sabha premises in 2005.

UNI