Lok Sabha Debates
Introduction Of The Constitution (Ninety-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2002 on 20 December, 2002
27 15.57 hrs. Title: Introduction of the Constitution (Ninety-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2002 THE MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JUAL ORAM): Sir, I beg to move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. MR. CHAIRMAN: The question is:
"That leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India." The motion was adopted.
SHRI JUAL ORAM: Sir, I introduce the Bill.
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* Published in the Gazette of India , Extraordinary Part-II, Section-2, dated 20.12.2002.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, we will take up discussion under Rule 193. Shri Ramji Lal Suman is to initiate it.
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI (RAIGANJ): Mr. Chairman, Sir, before you take up discussion under Rule 193, I would like to make a submission to you. We are left with only two hours. Now, there are two items listed in the List of Business.
Sir, there was a direction by the hon. Deputy-Speaker yesterday that the Law Minister would make a statement today on Tehelka. We would like to know whether the statement will be made before 6 o’clock or the statement will not be made. It was a direction given by the Deputy-Speaker on confirmation by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister on the floor. Therefore, we would like to know about it; otherwise, after this business ends, vande matram will be played and we will go back. So, I want to know about that.
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN): Sir, unfortunately, yesterday during the hon. Chief Justice’s dinner with President, the Law Minister had taken ill. He is hospitalised. I will get information about him and before we play vande matram and adjourn, I will let you know the exact final position. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : What is the final position? … (Interruptions) It was stated that the statement would be made today.
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: That is why, I am saying today only. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : No. The statement will be made by the Law Minister. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: As I said, the Law Minister is hospitalised. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : The Law Minister does not mean one Minister. The portfolio of the Law Ministry can be held by two people. The other one is here. … (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: Do not worry. I am also a Minister. I will get the statement from them and read it before the House is adjourned. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Ramji Lal Suman.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN (CHIRAYINKIL): Sir, I have the right to object to introduction of the Bill under Rule 72. When the Supplementary List of Business has been circulated just now, how could I give notice in the morning? … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: The Bill has already been introduced. You can raise your objection at the time of consideration and passing of the Bill.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : No, that is not the position. I have the right to oppose. You and I were Speakers in the Assemblies. We know the position. Sir, you are occupying this seat and denying justice to a Member. It is very unfortunate. We all know that under Rule 72, I have the right to oppose. You have denied that right to me. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: What is Rule 72? You read it out.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : You refer to Rule 72. … (Interruptions)
16.00 hrs. You may refer to Rule 72. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : You have not given any notice on this.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : I am very sorry that you are doing this. I can understand if somebody else does it. I am extremely sorry to say that. You are occupying the Chair and you are denying the right to a Member. I am extremely sorry to say this. If somebody else does it, I can understand that. MR. CHAIRMAN: You are my friend.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : Sir, we did not raise objection at the time of introduction because it relates to the tribals. However, it is very unfortunate and disgraceful on the part of the Government to bring forward this kind of a Constitution (Amendment) Bill on the last day. It is a very casual way of treating the House, and this is not fair. Since it is linked with the tribals’ interest, we did not raise the objection, but it is not fair. SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY (KHAMMAM): Sir, we want to put it on record that the entire tribal population has been discriminated against. Not enough weightage has been given, and the tribals are being cheated like this. Only at election time, they come and ask for votes and, at other times, they think that it is not necessary to devote the time of this House for the tribals’ welfare. SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI : Sir, we know that elections are going to take place in Himachal Pradesh soon. We also know that the Government has to start the campaign immediately. However, this should not be the method that you bring forward a Bill at the last minute. It could have been brought forward a little earlier. … (Interruptions) SHRI PRAVIN RASHTRAPAL : They are doing it for political purposes. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Radhakrishnan, the Bill has already been introduced. Therefore, you can raise your objection at the time of consideration. Moreover, you have not given any notice. … (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: I heard what you have to say.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : My objection is that though it is a post-mortem examination… (Interruptions) MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, I cannot entertain any objection because the Bill has already been introduced. You can raise your objection later. … (Interruptions)
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : I have a right to raise the objection. I am very sorry that you are doing this. MR. CHAIRMAN: I am not doing this.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN : You are doing this.
MR. CHAIRMAN: The Bill has already been introduced.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA (KOLAR): Sir, hardly two hours are left. The Government has assured us that it would take this up at two o’clock. Now, hardly two hours are left, and we cannot discuss about the atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes within these two hours. … (Interruptions) MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, we will take up the discussion under Rule 193; Shri Ramji Lal Suman to initiate the discussion.
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