In a significant development, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has reserved three contentious bills, passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in June this year, for the consideration of President Droupadi Murmu. These bills have been the focal point of escalating tensions between Governor Purohit and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab, headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The bills under scrutiny are the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Each bill addresses critical aspects, including the telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple, the appointment of university chancellors, and the selection process of state police chiefs.
The Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to facilitate the free-to-air telecast of Gurbani from the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar. It seeks to prevent commercialization by amending the century-old Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, preserving the sanctity of the religious broadcast.
The Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, proposes the replacement of the governor with the chief minister as the chancellor of 11 state-run universities, attempting to resolve the dispute arising from the appointment of vice-chancellors.
Additionally, the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to alter the Supreme Court-mandated procedure for the selection of state police chiefs, triggering further contention.
Governor Purohit’s decision to reserve these bills aligns with Article 200 of the Constitution, presenting them for the President’s consideration. This move comes after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, emphasizing that governors cannot indefinitely delay bills presented by the state legislature.
The apex court’s intervention followed a period of tension between the state government and the governor, with the former accusing the latter of withholding the bills unlawfully. The court upheld the Speaker’s authority in conducting the House’s business and highlighted the governor’s obligation to take timely decisions on bills passed by the assembly.
This recent development unfolds against the backdrop of a legal battle and exchanges between Governor Purohit and Chief Minister Mann regarding the pending bills. Amidst the ongoing deliberations, another bill, the State Vigilance Commission (Repeal) Bill, 2022, passed in September 2022, also awaits the governor’s assent.
As tensions persist, the future trajectory of these crucial bills remains under the scrutiny of constitutional processes, with the state’s legislative and executive branches at odds, awaiting resolution through constitutional mechanisms.
Sources By Agencies
