Assembly 'sole master of its procedures': Era Sezhiyan

Chennai, Nov 4 (UNI) Elder Statesman and former MP Era Sezhiyan today said Assembly was the 'sole master of its procedures' and the Madras High Court notice to Assembly Secretary and the House on a breach of privilege issue against AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa should not be viewed as a beginning of confrontation between the Judiciary and the Legislature.

In a statement here, he observed that as per the provisions of the Constitution, the Parliament and State Legislatures in India were enjoying the powers, privileges and immunities of the UK House of Commons.

Referring to the notice sent to the House and Assembly Secretary, he said it had been the practice and convention of the Parliament not to accept the notice of the Court.

''However, the 1992 meeting of the Presiding Officers of India decided that the papers may be given to the Court and subject themselves to the jursidiction of the Court'', he recalled.

''The matter can be brought to the notice of the Law Ministry also and the point of view of the Legislature can be presented to the Judiciary through the Law Ministry, if necessary'', he observed.

''The Parliament and State Legislatures are subject to the similar provisions of the Constitution and the practices of the Commons. However, the Assembly is the sole master of its procedures'', Mr Sezhiyan said.

He said ''the Constitution provides an option that the Legislature may at anytime, define by law its power and privileges by dispensing with the cumbersome procedures and practices of the House of Commons''.

UNI