New Parliament dispute: PIL filed seeking inauguration by President Murmu

A PIL was submitted to the Supreme Court today asking for an order mandating that Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, should inaugurate the new Parliament building on 28 May.

According to the PIL, the Lok Sabha Secretariat broke the law by failing to invite the President to the inauguration. According to the PIL submitted by lawyer Jaya Sukin, the announcement made by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on May 18 and the invitations sent out by the Secretary General, Lok Sabha, regarding the opening of the new Parliament building, are in violation of the Indian Constitution.

“That Prime Minister is appointed by the President and other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President of India is authorised to appoint constitutional functionaries such as Governors, Judges of both the Supreme Court and high court, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, chairman and manager of the Union Public Service Commissioner, Chief Election Commissioner, Financial Commissioner, and other Election commissioners,” the plea said.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Law and Justice are made parties in the case.

It stated, “Respondent’s (Secretary and Union) decision is illegal, Arbitrary, high-handed, whimsical and unfair, abuse of authority and against the principles of natural justice.”

“Respondents has violated Indian Constitution and Constitution is not being respected. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. The Indian Parliament comprises of the President and the two Houses – Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President has the power to summon and prorogue either House of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha,” it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the new Parliament complex which is scheduled to take place on May 28. At least 21 opposition parties have decided to boycott the PM’s decision to preside over the inauguration ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu.