New Parliament row: PIL filed in SC seeking inauguration by President Murmu

The PIL has called the Inauguration of New Parliament building by Prime Minister Modi as unconstitutional as 21 opposition parties have decided to boycott the opening ceremony.

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday asking for a directive that the New Parliament building should be inaugurated by the President of India Droupadi Murmu on May 28.

The PIL stated that the Lok Sabha Secretariat breached the Constitution by failing to invite the President to the inauguration. The statement published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on May 18, as well as the invitations issued by the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, are in breach of the Indian Constitution, according to the PIL filed by counsel Jaya Sukin.

“That Prime Minister is appointed by the President and other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President of India is authorized to appoint constitutional functionaries such as Governors, Judges of both the Supreme Court and high court, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, chairman and manager of the Union Public Service Commissioner, Chief Election Commissioner, Financial Commissioner, and other Election commissioners,” the plea said.

Several parties have been made parties in the case, including the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Law and Justice.

PIL says respondents ‘violated’ Indian Constitution, calls decision ‘high-handed’

The PIL read, “Respondent’s (Secretary and Union) decision is illegal, Arbitrary, high-handed, whimsical and unfair, abuse of authority and against the principles of natural justice.”

“Respondents has violated Indian Constitution and Constitution is not being respected. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. The Indian Parliament comprises of the President and the two Houses – Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President has the power to summon and prorogue either House of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha,” it said.

So far, no less than 21 opposition parties have decided to boycott the PM’s decision to preside over the inauguration ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Parliament complex which is scheduled to take place on May 28.