Have not committed any breach of privilege by raising various issues against Rajendra Arlekar who happens to be the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly. Regarding the notice of breach of privilege given by MLAs Ganesh Gaonkar and Pramod Sawant, have done nothing wrong to apologise and would rather go to jail then be cowed down by such high-handed tactics. The issues raised against Rajendra Arlekar of his alleged misdeeds before the Anti- Corruption Branch, Income tax authorities and Hindustan Petroleum are in his personal capacity and have nothing to do with his role as Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly. So in no way, can it constitute a breach of privilege of the House. With utmost respect to each organ of the democratic set-up, including the Judiciary and the Legislature, one should never be reluctant to take on anyone in the set-up, for any wrong doing, which is in breach of the Constitutional mandate. This has to be done to uphold the Constitution and the laws of our land. The rule of Law must always prevail against the rule of the sword or that of the mob. The privilege notice given by the two ruling two MLAs Ganesh Gaonkar and Pramod Sawant is a gross abuse and an attempt to intimidate. Recourse will be taken to all legal avenues to expose this misuse of the provisions of Privilege. The powers under Article 194(3) of the Constitution is not an independent power, but powers necessary for the conduct of the business of the House. Have done anything which would impede the functioning of the House. The freedom of speech and expression and the right to life and liberty and the right to approach the Courts of law, guaranteed by the Constitution, could not be lightly interfered nor taken away, by means of such tactics, using the cover of breach of privilege of the House. As the petition filed against Rajendra Arlekar is currently pending before the Special Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act, this notice of privilege amounts to gross interference in the administration of Justice. The attention of the Court will be drawn while seek appropriate orders when the matter comes up for hearing on 12th March. Shall as a law abiding citizen appear before the 7 member Privileges Committee headed by Deputy Speaker Anant Shet and the Legislative Assembly when summoned and satisfy them beyond any reasonable doubt that no breach of privilege whatsoever has been committed. There is no reason to tender any apology. Would respectfully appear before the Goa Legislative Assembly and say that I am sorry that I cannot say sorry. Several matters arising out of the proceedings of the Goa Legislative Assembly – whether in relation to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution or in the matter of dissolution of the Assembly, have all reached the corridors of the highest Court of the land. Am ready to take this battle to the portals of the highest Temple of Justice, to obtain an appropriate interpretation of the scope of breach of legislative privileges – an undefined term, which would then be a precedent for the country, in the larger public interest, so the dark days of Emergency are not being brought in by the back door, by misuse of official machinery. Very confident that all the members of the Goa Legislative Assembly would be convinced that the notice of privilege is with ulterior and vested motives in violation of democratic norms and fundamental rights.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 02:28:43 +0000
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