New Delhi, Mar 25 (UNI) Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has convened a meeting with floor leaders on Tuesday at 4:30 PM to discuss the matter concerning the alleged recovery of a huge amount of cash at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Verma.
As soon as the House convened for the day, Dhankhar shared this information. He stated that he would meet with the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, again at 4:30 PM today.
Earlier, he told the House that a notice has been received under Rule 267 demanding discussion on this issue but has not being accepted. He however, said that members can raise this issue during the Zero Hour.
In response, Congress member Pramod Tiwari emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating that it should be discussed. The Chairman remarked that the matter extends beyond judicial mismanagement, as it is connected to the sovereignty, supremacy, and significance of Parliament.
He said, “Hon’ble Members, this House, keeping dignity in mind, demonstrating dignified conduct, unanimously created a legal system in 2015, and that constitutional structure that emanated unanimously with one abstention from the Parliament endorsed by state legislatures should be rule of law because it was sanctified by the Hon’ble President by appending her signatures under Article 111. Now is the befitting occasion for all of us to reiterate that because that was a visionary step endorsed by Parliament. And imagine if that had taken place, things would have been different”.
He said, “Now, before the nation, there are two situations, one, what emanated from the Indian Parliament, duly endorsed by State Legislatures, sanctified by the Hon’ble President by appending signatures under Article 111, and second, is a judicial order”.
Dhankhar said, “Hon’ble Members, I had the benefit yesterday of the wise counsel, experienced counsel of Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition who were gracious enough to respond to my invitation for an interaction on this very critical issue that is agitating minds in all branches of governance”.
“I have scheduled a meeting after seeking convenience at 4.30 p.m. today with the floor leaders as suggested by Leader of the Opposition and agreed to by Leader of the House and timing has also been indicated to the concerned,” the Chairman said.
He further added, “I do not wish to be judgmental on any issue but one thing which has found widespread acceptability in the country is that the entire material available with the Supreme Court has been shared with the people at large and constitution of a committee with that speed I’m sure things will be available to us”.
Kharge then praised the Chairman for his deep knowledge of the Constitution. He also said that transparency in the House is important, and said he is looking forward to a discussion with the leaders of the House at 4.30 pm today.
