The Supreme Court ruling reducing the time given to the short-lived B.S. Yeddyurappa’s government to prove its majority on the floor of the House in May came up for discussion, with BJP members seeking a debate on judicial intervention in the legislative process.
While former Union Minister Basannagoud Patil Yatnal termed the move as “unfortunate”, Kudachi MLA P. Rajeev questioned the SC questioning the Governor’s discretion. “The Governor’s discretion cannot be questioned. There is a need to discuss the judiciary’s role and judiciary is trying to have a hold on the legislature. We cannot talk about it outside,” he added.
The SC, in May, had asked the then Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurapa to prove his majority on the floor of the House within 24 hours, reducing the 15-day window given by Governor Vajubhai R. Vala. Chikkanayakanahalli MLA J. Madhu Swamy said the legislature has its rules. “Who is under who? There are rules. However, we were informed about the session through a message on our mobile phone. We (legislature) have subjected ourselves. You have to draw a line and this cannot be allowed. They are questioning the powers of the legislature,” he added. Joining the debate, former Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that questioning the role and power of the Governor was unconstitutional since the Governor is also the custodian of the Constitution. “Judiciary has to introspect. Judicial and electoral reforms are the need of the hour.”
Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar pointed out the delay in opening of the ₹150-crore five-storeyed court complex in Hubballi. “The inauguration has been held up for nearly one year though the building the ready. This is over the discussion whether politicians have to be invited for inauguration or not. Government has to take a bold step in this regard (on inauguration).” He asked: “Judiciary comments on others but what have they done to correct itself.” Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra also said that a court complex built with government funds also has a similar issue.
Janata Dal (Secular) member A.T. Ramaswamy also pointed out at 84 High Court and Supreme Court judges getting sites in Bengaluru through a society meant for judicial employees. “They are constitutional authorities, not employees,” he said.