Title: Questioned the propriety of the Central Government’s regarding the BALCO deal.
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL (HOOGLY): Sir, certain developments are taking place which cannot but be matters of concern to this House.
Sir, as you know, in regard to the BALCO deal, the State Government of Chattisgarh had a particular perception and the State Legislature had passed a Resolution in this regard about the rights of the tribal people and such other things. That perception too was based on a judgement of the Supreme Court. Now what has happened there is a matter of grave concern because it involves the federal principle of the Constitution. There is already a strained relationship between the Centre and the State and this relationship may further deteriorate because of the moves initiated by the Union Government to achieve certain goals with which the State Government may not be in agreement.
Sir, this House represents the will of the people. It is a sovereign House. In our present set up, the federal principles would have to be upheld. I am not questioning or commenting on the verdict itself but when such a directive goes directly to the DG and the Chief Secretary by-passing the political Executive of that particular State then… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: Sir, is he commenting on the judgement of the Supreme Court? … (Interruptions)
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL : No. I am not commenting on the judgement of the Supreme Court… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: It is a judgement of the Supreme Court… (Interruptions)
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : It is the question of the Centre’s attitude… (Interruptions)
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL : Sir, I am not commenting on the judgement of the Supreme Court… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Pal, you should not discuss the decision of the highest Court here.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN: Sir, he is asking me as to why the Government went to the Court… (Interruptions) Is going to the Court a crime?… (Interruptions) I am surprised at his question… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Pal, you are well-versed with the procedure of the House. We should not comment on the judgement of the highest Court here.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL : Sir, the Union Government has never cared to consult either the State Government … (Interruptions) or the workers themselves in respect of BALCO… (Interruptions) Sir, the Government owes an explanation to this House… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Pal, there are other Members as well.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL : Sir, I am not questioning the verdict of the Court, but it is a denigration of the authority of the elected bodies… (Interruptions)
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Sir, please allow me one minute… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: We already had a lengthy discussion on BALCO.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The Minister would like to respond now.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. Minister is going to say something. The Minister is going to reply now.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL (CHANDIGARH): Sir, the Government is shirking its responsibility… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Nothing would go on record.
(Interruptions)*
श्री पवन कुमार बंसल:जो मसले राजनैतिक और प्रशासनिक बातचीत के जरिए सुलझाए जा सकते हैं, उसके लिए दूसरा रास्ता ढूंढ़ा जा रहा है…( व्यवधान )
MR. SPEAKER: Nothing would go on record.
(Interruptions)*
MR. SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions)*
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Sir, this is a serious matter.
DR. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA (SOUTH DELHI): If he is allowed to speak, let me also say something.
SHRI KIRIT SOMAIYA (MUMBAI NORTH EAST): Sir, we have also given notices. Please allow us.
श्री शीशराम सिंह रवि (बिजनौर):अध्यक्ष जी, इन्होंने भी नोटिस नहीं दिया है। यह क्यों बोलेंगे?उन्हें क्यों सुना जा रहा है? …( व्यवधान )
: आपको भी बुलाएंगे।
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Sir, I am not saying that the Central Government has no right to go to the Supreme Court. But I am raising the question of propriety.